Dealing with a lot of deaths around me, I'm trying to process it all. Do you consider it loss, or rather a promotion, graduation, going on to glory?
During a Bible study a few years ago, I read about Enoch. There aren't many verses about his life, but what is said is so important.
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Genesis 5:21-24
Genesis 5:21-24
Enoch walked FAITHFULLY with God until one day, God took him. I remember envisioning Enoch and God walking together one day, and then God said, "You know, we're almost to my house. Why don't you come with me?"
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:5-6 NIV
Hebrews 11:5-6 NIV
I'm thankful for men like Enoch. He lived to please God and so God was pleased to have Enoch come live with Him. In turn, he received His reward. Perhaps the best reward is being in God's presence!
There are people around me whom God has chosen to come live with Him recently. I'm sad they're no longer here with me, with our church, community, with their spouses and families. But I'm thankful they're in the presence of Jesus, seeing the Lord face to face, knowing fully as they are fully known. It's a huge comfort to me. And to think they're receiving a reward as well.
Lord, thank You for examples, for Your beautiful Word that's laced with hope, and thank You for the reward of knowing You better through wrestling with the atrocities of life. My faith grows every time, and I believe You reward me here with greater faith and with a greater knowledge and understanding of Your character. Thank You for comforting me in sadness. Continue to make Your presence known to my friends in their grief.
