Devotion for Thursday, August 27, 2020
Micah 6:8, “and to walk humbly with your God”
Ephesians 4:1 provides Christians with the instruction, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” Micah 6:8 informs us that a worthy walk is a humble walk. Living a life of godly justice and compassion requires a heart of humility.
Humility is not something natural in the human condition. Pride and selfish agendas are truly the order of human history. Therefore, Christians must understand that one cannot walk with the Lord without humility. Furthermore, salvation and repentance are impossible without first humbly approaching the Lord in confession of sin. Our very existence, and the fact that we are alive right now at this moment, depends upon the grace of God. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone wishes to come after me [to walk with me], he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24) The sooner you realize that it’s not about you…it’s about Jesus the Messiah, the sooner you can be effective for the kingdom of God.
Today, we rush to judgment and form opinions. However, we must remember that Jesus has taught us to “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7:5) May we be circumspect in our words and actions, especially in the charged environment of 2020.
Have you ever wondered about the life of Enoch? I have. It seems that there is not much mentioned in Genesis 5 about him. We do not hear of his exploits, nor any of his earthly accomplishments – other than being in the lineage of Seth and Noah’s great-grandfather. Of course, we know that Enoch was taken by the Lord, and he did not see death. All that is given as explanation is that Enoch walked with God, and then he was not. Actually, it says it twice that Enoch walked with God. The first mention states that Enoch walked with God 300 years! Now this is not Enoch’s total lifespan. It says in the next verse that his life was 365 years long. So, the biblical account specially indicates that Enoch walked with God for 300 years – purposefully and devotedly. That IS Enoch’s legacy. Enoch will forever be known as a man who walked with God. It is his defining characteristic. Is that your defining quality?
The writer of Hebrews gives us greater detail, confirming that Enoch did not experience death (11:5). The author states, “For prior to his transformation, he was approved, having pleased God.” (v. 5b) How did Enoch please the Lord? Is it through his noble deeds? Is it through his great accomplishments? No. The author of Hebrews is clear; Enoch was a man of humble faith. Enoch’s life is a witness to the power of simple faith. For 300 years Enoch walked humbly with the Lord, and he did not see death. His life preaches to us the same truth. Enoch serves as an image of the Lord’s promise to all believers. Jesus declares to Martha, who grieved the loss of her brother Lazarus, “Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die – ever.” (John 11:26). Hebrews 11:6 summarizes the lesson of Enoch’s life, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.”
The humble believer seeks after the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Once we find Him, we draw near to Him and we do not leave His side. When we think upon our legacies that we are building right now, today, may we yearn that we are remembered by one thing primarily…that we have walked with the Lord. That legacy cannot be obtained without humble faith and giving God and His Son Jesus the Messiah all the credit.
Joshua Moore
Pastor, Sharon First Baptist Church
photo courtesy of unsplash.com