There's an old proverb that says the old die and the young can die. That is the reality of life—and death. Unless the Lord returns, none of us are getting out of here alive. However, there was at least one man who found the secret of a smooth passing and that man's name was Enoch:
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).
We're not exactly sure what happened to Enoch but it seems that he made his transition from life as Elijah had, who was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. But the point I want to focus on in this week's 'Never Too Old for Purpose' series is that the context for Enoch's life and death set the stage for the Bible's most famous quote about faith: "without faith it is impossible to please God."
Whatever happened to Enoch occurred because he had faith in God, not just as a young person but throughout his life. His faith was what fueled his transition from this life to the next. His faith was the common denominator and expression between his now life and then life. I'm not insinuating that if you're older and have faith, you'll be like Enoch and somehow disappear without a trace. I am suggesting, however, that God sees your faith and will help you make your heavenly transition while living out your last days serving Him.
I've often said I would rather die in faith than live in presumption or fear. And therefore I have faith for things that may not happen until I'm gone—or may not happen at all—and I'm fine with that. I write in faith for a best-seller. I am trusting my work in Africa will outlive me. I live in faith for my children and grandchildren, niece and nephew. And yes, I have faith for the end of my days that I will glorify God up until the last, bearing fruit for the Kingdom and glorifying Him for the work He has done in my life.
Are you living in current-day faith or the faith you had as a young person? Where is your faith focus if you are older? (Where is it if you're younger?) Are you still being productive for Him? Can you describe your faith projects that you're trusting God in this life to do and see—or will die hoping for their eventual fruition?
Enoch was so consumed by faith that he graduated to glory without a ceremony. That's my goal too, that my faith will take me to the next stage of my existence where I will continue to serve God. I invite you to join me in that faith journey no matter where you are in your own span of life, for all of us, young and old, will only please God by living and dying in faith. Have a blessed week.
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