“Paradigm” or “Paradigmatic” – Big words! A paradigm is a typical example or pattern of something; a model. If something (or someone) is paradigmatic it serves as a typical example or model of something.
ENOCH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT IS PARADIGMATIC FOR DISCIPLESHIP! … The Bible says, “Enoch WALKED with God, and he was not, for God took him.” (I just read it this morning in Genesis 5:24!)
Discipleship consistently in Scripture is described as a WALK! It’s not a sprint – you can’t jump into a high powered spiritual vehicle and speed to “Christ-likeness’ – You can’t board a heavenly trans-cosmic airline and shortcut the challenges to get to Heaven. In discipleship it’s one step with God after another – a day-by-day journey – even moment-by-moment and event after event! Sometimes it may seem tedious and a bit boring. Other times it’s exciting and challenging. Even when the word “run” is used in the Bible in the context of discipleship, the exhortation is “run with patience.” (Hebrews 12:1) It is Paul’s favorite word for the Christian life in Ephesians (2:10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15).
Enoch “walked with God” for over 300 years… before there was a Bible or other spiritual resources, before there were regular “church services,” before there were “pastors.” One day as he “walked with God” he was no more on earth – “the Lord took him!” Even the idea of being “caught away” into heaven to be with the Lord is a part of Enoch’s account!
Gotta tell you… I’ve decided to “walk with God!” Today, tomorrow – this year and the ones that follow – wherever He leads, whatever it takes! And I’ll look forward to the day I’m caught away to be with the Lord (as was Enoch) … Yup, ENOCH IS “PARADIGMATIC” FOR CHRISTIANS!
Coffee With The Lord 