Reflecting on Elijah, Enoch, and Our Relationship with God

As we reached the crest of the hill on our way to church in my wife’s Prius, the sun broke through the clouds. The warmth of the peaceful moment made me reflect. (By now, you know I have strange thoughts at strange times.)

What would it have been like to walk quietly along, talking to Elijah, when suddenly a "chariot of fire and horses of fire" appeared, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind? Better yet, what would it be like to have such a close relationship with God that you’re offered a spectacular ride in a custom-made chariot into Heaven, directly into the Divine’s presence?

Then I remembered that Elijah wasn’t the only one with a special relationship with God. I thought of Enoch, who "walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."

Both Elijah and Enoch must have been completely devoted to God. They must have gone far beyond the norm in spending time with Him. So, why can’t I walk with God like they did? Why can’t I be fully devoted to God? Why can’t God be first and only in my life?

There have been many who were close to God, fully devoted to Him, but only two—Elijah and Enoch—had such a unique relationship with God that He simply called them into His presence. Abraham, David, and Paul were deeply connected with God, yet even they had to experience death before transitioning from this life into eternal life with Him.

Perhaps it wasn’t just the closeness of the relationship that Elijah and Enoch had; maybe it was what they needed! Let me explain. Abraham may have needed to grow old and witness Isaac mature. David may have needed to grapple with the depth of his sinfulness and seek renewed strength. Paul may have needed to endure imprisonment and even blindness to prepare for a second encounter with the Lord Jesus. Maybe it’s not all about how deep our relationship with God is, but rather about God allowing each of us to experience specific challenges in different ways. Through these experiences, we are transformed, so that when we eventually enter His presence, we are fully prepared and spiritually developed.

Elijah and Enoch may not have needed the typical death experience, but perhaps they needed to witness how God’s power works in extraordinary, unexpected ways.

This week, I may not walk into Heaven or ride a fiery chariot, but I pray that God will help me experience exactly what I need to see Him more clearly and feel His presence more deeply.