Walking Home

This just dawned on me as I was reading a book in order to write a paper for Foundations of Proclamation.
     "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." (Genesis 5:24 ESV)

     Now the Bible does not explain what it means by Enoch walked with God, but its use in this sentence seems to indicate walking with God pleased Him. God took Enoch - he didn't die. I've often wondered why it doesn't lay out a laundry list of what is expected in order to never die. Today it hit me. The whole of scripture is a manual for how not to die. And the reason the Bible is so complex, so full, so rich in meanings is because it is full of people who have tried very hard to walk with God out of gratitude for all God has done. It's like some gigantic inside joke that's so out in the open people trip over it and wonder why.

     Philippians 2 uses these words to explain the process. ¹²Therefore, my beloved,^(C) as you have always^(D) obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for^(E) it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for^(F) his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:11-13 ESV)

     The keys to understanding scripture are not in understanding cryptic passages from here and there, but in seeing the smaller pieces in light of the greater plan, and better understanding the part you are to play with gratitude.