CHRIS TIEGREEN*
Genesis 5:22
We don’t know much about Enoch other than that he walked with God – or “lived in close fellowship with God,” as one translation puts it – but we know that God was present in his life in substantially different ways than He was in others. A chapter later, we’re told that Noah walked with God too, and God also did exceptional things in his life. Apparently walking with God sets a person up for unusual treatment.
The Gospel of Luke tells us of two travelers on the road to Emmaus who walked with the resurrected Jesus and had a long discussion with Him before recognizing who He was. He unveiled scriptural truths to them and finally revealed His identity just before disappearing. This same Jesus, who apparently stepped in and out of the visible realm at will after His resurrection, is just as present with us as He was with his disciples on the Emmaus road. Is it possible that we walk with Him without recognizing Him, just as they did? And if so, can we become aware so that we aren’t walking in ignorance?
God makes Himself more tangibly real to those who choose to walk with Him – to be conscious of Him, to converse with Him constantly, to enjoy a close relationship with Him – than He does to those who simply have knowledge about Him.
Fellowship with God is a cultivated condition, and it’s deepest among those who are alertly watching for Him to step into their visible realm at any moment in whatever manner He chooses. He is neither silent nor detached, but normally only vigilant eyes detect His voice and His Presence. He walks with those who choose to consciously, deliberately, watchfully walk with Him.
Lord, I want to walk with You as Enoch, Noah, and the disciples of Jesus did. But I want to be fully aware at all times. Sharpen my senses to recognize You in every moment today.
*This is taken from Chris’ The One Year Experiencing God’s Presence Devotional: 365 Days to Bring You Closer to Him, October 30.