Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 31
Day 31 - Monday, August 5
Read Genesis 5:21-24 & 2 Kings 2:1-14
Highlight
Here we read a brief but powerful passage that tells us about Enoch, a man who walked so closely with God that he did not experience death. Instead, God took him directly to heaven. It’s clear that Enoch had a unique relationship with God, but there is not much to tell us why. There is, however, another example in Scripture of God choosing to take someone to heaven before they died a physical death. In 2 Kings we read about Elijah, who also did not experience death but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. What’s common to these two men that would give us some insight into why God gave them the privilege of entering Heaven without having to experience an earthly death?
Elijah was a prophet who performed many miracles and was a significant figure in Israel's history. He put his life on the line more than once to follow God’s call and was the spokesperson for God to the Nation of Israel. There are no stories in Scripture that would suggest that Enoch was historically significant or performed any incredible acts on behalf of the Lord. What it does say is that “Enoch walked faithfully with God” (Gen. 5:22). Enoch's story, though brief, speaks volumes about the importance of faithfulness: a long obedience in the same direction. It shows us that an ordinary life lived in close communion with God is just as important to God as an extraordinary story. Both Enoch and Elijah were faithful, and God honored both for their faithfulness, not because of what they accomplished, but because of how closely they walked with Him.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Genesis 5:21-24 & 2 Kings 2:1-14
Highlight
Here we read a brief but powerful passage that tells us about Enoch, a man who walked so closely with God that he did not experience death. Instead, God took him directly to heaven. It’s clear that Enoch had a unique relationship with God, but there is not much to tell us why. There is, however, another example in Scripture of God choosing to take someone to heaven before they died a physical death. In 2 Kings we read about Elijah, who also did not experience death but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. What’s common to these two men that would give us some insight into why God gave them the privilege of entering Heaven without having to experience an earthly death?
Elijah was a prophet who performed many miracles and was a significant figure in Israel's history. He put his life on the line more than once to follow God’s call and was the spokesperson for God to the Nation of Israel. There are no stories in Scripture that would suggest that Enoch was historically significant or performed any incredible acts on behalf of the Lord. What it does say is that “Enoch walked faithfully with God” (Gen. 5:22). Enoch's story, though brief, speaks volumes about the importance of faithfulness: a long obedience in the same direction. It shows us that an ordinary life lived in close communion with God is just as important to God as an extraordinary story. Both Enoch and Elijah were faithful, and God honored both for their faithfulness, not because of what they accomplished, but because of how closely they walked with Him.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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