Moses highlights Enoch in the family tree from Adam to Noah in the Genesis 5 genealogy. Enoch is seventh in line through Seth and compares with the polygamist, murder-poet Lamech who was seventh through Cain. Not only is Enoch not proud like Lamech, twice Moses says that Enoch “walked with God.” Enoch had received the heritage of those who called on the name of the Lord (see Genesis 4:26) and his communion with God was the high point of that line. He didn’t die, he “was not” for the Lord took him.

Even though we’re given no reasons to expect repeats of the Enoch departure event, we are given reason to walk with God. That part of Enoch’s life is desirable and repeatable. Enoch’s great-grandson Noah also walked with God (Genesis 6:9) and the Lord delivered mankind through Noah and his family.

Later in the Old Testament the prophet Micah addressed the people of Judah.

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
(Micah 6:8)

Our steps are seen by God and strengthened by God. He also desires that our steps are in step with Him. To walk with Him is to know that He is present, to talk to and depend on Him in prayer, and to obey everything that brings Him pleasure.

What epithet do you want recorded for your kids and grandkids that summarizes your life? Will it be “walked with God” or “wandered from God”?