“ . . . Enoch walked with God . . .” Genesis 5:22 & 24 (KJV)
Each day they made this journey together. Three times around the track completed a mile. They usually did nine. At first, the boy really didn’t want to walk but he loved his father, who liked to walk. The boy just wanted to be with his father. Walking with father calmed him down and somehow gave him strength. Usually, the father asked him questions . . . hard questions concerning character issues and moral values. Sometimes he asked his father questions about his own concerns. Sometimes they just walked silently, listening to the morning sounds. The boy had noticed his days were always better after this walk. So now walking with father had become a joyous habit. And with the habit, the boy grew into a man of character and integrity . . . a man of influence in his community.
When his son was born, Yared might not have thought about the impact his son would have upon society. I wonder if he ever thought about the influence that society would have on the boy. Yet, he obviously taught Enoch about the influence of one’s friends. The lessons surely included the importance of choosing them carefully. Yared knew that his son would be influenced by his walking partners. This is still true in the 21st century: walking partners influence us either for good or bad.
Obviously, Enoch learned the lessons well. He chose God as his walking partner and witnesses claim “he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5). Each day God invites us to walk with him. Each day we should take his hand and walk. By doing so, we will influence our generation.
Dear Father, thank you for allowing us to walk with you. Forgive us for our failures. O Lord, create in us a hunger and thirst for your fellowship. Grant that our relationship with you will affect those around us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you walk with Christ,