Maybe you’ve said this before, “I’m just not excited to read the Bible.” You are so not alone. It’s the third most popular reason people give for not reading God’s Word. Today, we’re going to meet a man named Enoch who has a very interesting story, so join me now in the book of Genesis.
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Transcription:
Maybe you’ve said this before, “I’m just not excited to read the Bible.” You are so not alone. It’s the third most popular reason people give for not reading God’s Word. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and I’m so glad that you’re here because over the last couple of weeks we’ve been busting myths about the Bible. We’re discovering that we actually have time to read the Bible. That’s the number one reason people give for not reading it. And you and I covered where to start the gospel of John, or the Book of Psalms, right there in the middle of your Bible. If you’re interested in more about these two topics, go back over the last couple of weeks. Take some time and listen in, because these myths are just that. Easily bustable. I don’t know if that’s a word, but I’m really excited about this week’s study that you and I are going to dive into.
There are so many interesting stories in the Bible. We could go two weeks on this, and we might, but I’m going to uncover them for you. Kind of like when you’re waiting for an artist to reveal a new sculpture and it’s under that dusty sheet, and everybody in the crowd is gathered around, “What is it going to look like? What are we going to see?” That’s how I want you to feel as we study these stories, at least for this week. Today, we’re going to meet a man named Enoch who has a very interesting story, so join me now in the book of Genesis. Yeah, way back in the beginning of your Bible, chapter five, starting in verse 21.
When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah.
We’ll talk more about him in just a few moments here.
After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years,
Wow. They lived a long time back in Bible times, right!
…and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
That is not the only thing the Bible tells us about Enoch. We’re going to read more about his story in the book of Hebrews, but first I want to share something with you because maybe you’ve never heard that you could have fellowship with God that he is your friend. In Proverbs chapter 18 verse 24, you’ll find one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible. It simply says,
“…and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
Sometimes I like to read the King James version because I really appreciate words and stick. It is a pretty cool word. God has been that friend to me, the kind of friend that stick it closer than a brother. He’s been there for me in the middle of the night when I sat beside my son’s hospital bed when we thought we were going to lose him. He has sat beside me when I felt no hope because I walked away from a job that I loved, and I felt like I scraped the bottom of my hope barrel. There was nothing left, and he showed up. And I want you to know that he will be that kind of friend to you as well. All you got to do is turn to him, call on His name. Maybe you’ve never even said the name Jesus aloud. It’s a powerful name. It’s a very powerful name. It means Savior. He came to save you and save me from our sins and opened the door of friendship, the door of hope between us and God that was closed before Jesus came.
We no longer have to kill animals and make sacrifices on altars in order for our sins to be forgiven. God sent his son Jesus to redeem us from the darkness in our souls. He knows our hearts, our dark. He made us. All we have to do is say yes to Jesus. Yes, we accept his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, and we accept this life of peace and hope that he wants to give us. So, there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Okay, we’re going to learn more about Enoch’s story. Now, this man who walked so closely with God, don’t you want to be a person known for that? Hebrews now in the New Testament, chapter 11, beginning in verse five.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Isn’t this beautiful? You and I are learning that God wants us to believe in him. He believes in you. He believes in me. Enoch was a person I believe who simply looked up, sought the Lord, walked with Him. I believe in sunshine and in shade, and the Lord took him. Enoch was a man who didn’t die. That’s pretty exciting! I got to tell you. and I want to go back to Methuselah for a moment here. Methuselah was Enoch’s son, and perhaps you’ve heard his name before. Somebody in your life has said, oh, he’s old as Methuselah. Methuselah is the person known for having lived the longest on this planet. He lived 969 years on this earth. Can you imagine that? Methuselah was a very famous person’s grandfather. Do you know who it was? Noah! Yes, Enoch was great-grandfather.
You know the story of Noah’s Ark, even if this is the first time you’re ever studying the Bible, so isn’t it amazing? What I take from Enoch’s story is that when you walk with God, you get to know a friend who sticks closer than a brother. You can be friends with God and your life, your example, your faith is something very precious that you can pass on to the generations after you. Think of how Methuselah and Noah would need faith for the jobs that God called them to do. Alright, until next time when we’ll read another exciting Bible story together. Remember, you are loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible, for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
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