“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found, because God had translated him—for before his translation, he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”Hebrews 11:5
His must have been a special relationship; but the fact remains we can also enjoy one just like it.
“Translated.”
That’s the word the King James’ scholars used for the Greek word “matatithemi,” which can also be defined as “to transfer, transport, exchange, change sides, carry over to, etc.” And, when we’re familiar with Enoch’s story in Gen. 5:21-24, where it says “And Enoch walked with God and he was not—for God took him” (v.24), we realize that he was whisked away to Heaven so “he should not see death.”
Now, there are only two people in the Bible who bypassed death and the grave: Enoch and Elijah (II Kings 2:1-11). But, of the two, only Enoch is described as being one who “pleased God.”
We do read in Gen. 5:22, 24 that “Enoch walked with God,” which meant that he had a daily, ongoing, intimate relationship with Him. Later on, his own great-grandson, Noah, would also be described in the same way (Gen. 6:9).
But, the thing that really grabs our attention is the fact that he “pleased (Grk. ‘euaresto’—‘to gratify entirely, be fully agreeable to, acceptable, fit, etc.’) God.” We know it wasn’t his “fitness” that made him pleasing—for we’re all “sinners who fall short of the Glory of God” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9). However, it’s because of God’s Grace operating in his life that he became a “fragrant aroma” to our Lord. Hallelujah!!
And, dear Pilgrim, how wonderful that it was his “testimony” (life), not his “translation” (rapture), that is emphasized here. The Greek word “martureo” is used here for “testimony” and also means “to be a witness, testify, give evidence of, bear record to, give a report of, etc.” And, when we realize it comes from the deeper word “martus”—from which we get the word “martyr” and is used in Acts 1:8 for “witnesses”—we suddenly realize the importance of a “righteous reputation.” Glory!!
One of these days we. . .who are born-again followers of Jesus Christ. . .will also be “translated.” It may be through death; or, it may be through the Rapture. But, until then, we are called to be “transformed into living sacrifices that demonstrate the good, acceptable and perfect Will of God in our lives” (Rom. 12:1-2).
So, how goes it for you, Pilgrim?
Is your “testimony” the same as Enoch’s? Do others readily see Jesus in you? Is the “Fragrance of Grace” evident in your life? If so, praise the Lord; if not, make whatever changes are necessary to ensure that it will be. Truly, the greatest joy in life is knowing Jesus (Phil. 3:10) and the pleasure of His Smile.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna March 21, 2011
