God Took Him

Genesis 5:24

INTRODUCTION:

 

Introduced to a man on the Obituary Page

  1. A man who speaks of life in a chapter of death.
  2. A gem among the genealogies

 

Enoch:  the man who did not die  (Heb. 11:5)

  1. “God took him” (translated that he should not see death)
  2. He was taken in the strength of his life.
  3. He was taken when comparatively young.
  4. His family must have missed this good man.

 

Comfort from Enoch’s experience when loved ones are taken in death.

 

       I.            HIS REPUTATION BEFORE HE WAS TAKEN

    1. He walked with God.
    2. He pleased God.  (Heb. 11:5)

1.      He was a man of faith.

2.      His life demonstrated his faith.

    1. He was a prophet (Jude 14)

1.      He prophesied of the second coming of Christ.

2.      He warned of coming judgment.

3.      He spoke out boldly against sin.

    1. Enoch’s neighbors knew him as a man of God.

 

     II.            THE REASON HE WAS TAKEN

    1. We can only speculate.

1.      We know he lived in a difficult time.

2.      The world was ripening for judgment.

3.      God may have chosen to spare him much grief.

    1. We cannot be sure why Enoch was taken.

1.      We can be sure our Lord loved him.

2.      We can be sure our Lord knows the future.

3.      We can be sure our Lord does all things well.

    1. Some things from which believers are spared at death.

1.      Sorrows that are ahead.

2.      The ravages of disease.

3.      The infirmities of the flesh.

    1. Only the Lord knows the reasons loved ones are taken.
    2. We must leave the mystery of His will to Him.

 

  III.            HIS RESIDENCE AFTER HE WAS TAKEN.

    1. Enoch was taken to be with the Lord.
    2. Enoch’s address became heaven.
    3. Christian’s are taken to heaven when they die.

1.      They go their immediately.  (2 Cor. 5:8)

2.      They go to promised mansions  (John 14: 1-3)

3.      They go to a place that is far better.  (Phil. 1:21-23)

    1. Enoch had no more human limitations after he was taken.
    2. What Enoch may have seen:

1.      Things he had learned about on his walks.

2.      Things that surpassed all his dreams.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

When God took Enoch, he was ready to go.

Jesus made it possible for you to be ready to go.

Are you ready?