40 Days of Believing God – Day 19
He lived for 500 years in obscurity, then it was said, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) We know nothing of those 500 years. Just a one line assessment of his life. Some time later, God commanded him to build an ark. At the age of 600, the ark was complete and the flood began. It took up to 100 years to build the ark, but none of those days are recorded for us.
We know how Moses was born and who raised him. We know he killed an Egyptian when he was 40. At the age of 80, God called him to lead the nation of Israel out of their slavery in Egypt. We know they wandered in the desert for the next 40 years. Like Noah, we have a record of some very significant events in Moses’ life, but it’s really just a small number of days.
In his closing remarks in the letter he wrote to the church in Colosse, Paul includes greetings from a man named Demas. That was in the year 60. Seven years later, in a letter Paul wrote to Timothy, he said, “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved the world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.” At least seven years of ministering with Paul and all we know about Demas is that he’s a deserter.
Enoch was 65 years old when he became the father of Methuselah. “And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:22-24) That’s it. He lived 365 years and all we know is that he was a father, he walked with God and God took him to heaven before he died.
The Bible leaves a lot of parts out. It’s kind of like watching a highlight film rather than watching every play from every game from the whole season. In some cases, it’s more of a lowlight film. The Bible seems to catch most people at their best (Enoch) or their worst (Judas). In most cases (David, Paul, Peter, Abraham, etc.), we get to see both.
What occurs to me is this–the days and events that are recorded in the Bible are the result of all the unrecorded days. Demas didn’t just suddenly decide to desert Paul after seven years. The thoughts and choices that aren’t recorded for us led him to his decision to throw in the towel.
More than likely, you’re living one of your “unrecorded days” today. It doesn’t feel very special. In fact, it’s filled with boring, routine tasks. Keep in mind though, today is setting up one of your “recorded days.”
Enoch and Noah were commended because they “walked with God.” Demas is remembered “because he loved the world.”
Which one is more descriptive of you today? Are you walking with God? Are you being faithful to do what you know to do? Are you persevering in believing God?
Or are you in love with the world? Are you making little comprises that are setting you up for a fall? Are you growing weary of doing good?
The private thoughts and the unseen choices we make in our “unrecorded days” are charting our course. Just because today doesn’t feel special doesn’t mean it’s not significant.
Today is the day to walk with God and believe Him…and reject what the world entices and tempts you with.
Noah walked with God. Enoch walked with God. Both were commended as men who pleased God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)