Whom God Calls, He Qualifies: The Story of Enoch

For those of you who do not know about the Pearl of Great Price, please read my previous post. I will be talking about Enoch in this post and a majority of my insights will come from Moses. Enoch is only touched upon in Genesis. We gain a lot more information about Enoch in the book of Moses.

The story of Enoch is wrapped up in about 5 verses in Genesis. From Genesis 5:22-24, we learn that Enoch walked with God, that he lived 365 years, and that "he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). That doesn't explain much and that last part is left open to interpretation. That could simply mean that he died. If you read Moses, though, you'll find out that that's not the case.

In Moses 6-7, we find out a lot of things about Enoch and the people of his day. The people of that day were very wicked and the Lord called Enoch to cry repentance to them. Enoch's words were so powerful that people trembled and could not stand in his presence. Enoch's faith was so great that he moved mountains. He literally talked and walked with God and was shown many things. Enoch also formed a city called Zion because "they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18). He established a perfect city. And lastly, we find that Enoch did not die. He and his whole city of Zion were taken up to live in the presence of the Lord.

I grew up hearing and reading about how righteous Enoch was. But I never really knew about how extraordinary he was. One thing that really stood out to me was Enoch's response to God's calling for him. Moses 6:26-31 talks about the wickedness of the people of his day. God then calls Enoch to cry repentance unto them. Enoch had a response much like Moses, "Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?" (Moses 6:31). He was so humble and did not think he could make a difference.

But, he had no need to fear! The Lord was ever with him. The Lord promised him, "Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled" (Moses 6:32). The Lord caused the wicked to tremble before Enoch so that they would stay away and would not bother him and his people. He opened Enoch's eyes and revealed so many things to him. The Lord was there will him every step of the way.

I have seen the Lord do the same things for me. He was ever present during the most difficult time of my life. As my heart was breaking, the Lord was there to put the pieces back together. As I have tried to do hard things, He has been there for me to fill in the gaps that I could not complete. As I have born my testimony to others, the Lord has been there to put the words I needed to say into my mouth. The Lord has been with me in all that I do to strengthen and sustain me.

I want you all to know that I know that Enoch was a prophet of God. I know that he and the city Zion were taken up to live with our Heavenly Father. And I know that our Father in Heaven loves each and every one of us and wants all of us to live in His presence once again.