Day One Hundred Ninety-Three “A Simple Testimony”
It is a type of right-of-passage at our Christian school, a ritual signifying a transition, a transition from those carefree high school years, through the threshold of graduation, and into the world of adulthood. And as is the tradition every year, one section of our school’s yearbook is dedicated to our outstanding senior class, highlighting them as individuals, detailing their school activities, replaying their academic accomplishments, revealing their future plans, and sharing a particular Bible verse that they each hold dear. As I lovingly scan through those pages every year, I pause to consider the testimony of each of these excellent young people, how they have grown physically and spiritually through the years that I have known them, and I ponder what lies ahead for them, what unique task God has for each of them to accomplish, what impact they will have for the cause of Christ.
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews presents us with an extraordinary list of great men and women who were champions, pilgrims who excelled in this walk of faith. They were not perfect by any means, but their faith-inspired tales are passed on to us as an example to follow: that faithful ship-builder, Noah; the trusting-traveler, Abraham; a peaceful well-digger, Isaac; a servant-turned-deliverer, Joseph. We are told that some of these heroes “subdued kingdoms,” while others “were tortured.” Some “waxed valiant in fight,” while others suffered “trial of cruel mockings.” But one testimony stands out to me, and if I could have this commendation written beside my name in God’s yearbook, I would be content.
Enoch was a little-known, mysterious character appearing early in the pages of the Word of God. We are told that he lived “three hundred sixty and five years,” then unexpectedly “he was not, for God took him.” Something about Enoch was so dear to God that He “translated him” to glory “that he should not see death,” a distinction that only Enoch and Elijah would share. As we patch together a sketch of his life, we understand that he lived during a spiritually dismal period of time prior to the Great Flood, an era when most men did not live a life honoring God, a time when “the wickedness of man was great in the earth.” Enoch did not remain silent to the rampant sin engulfing his culture. He “prophesied of these, saying, Behold the Lord cometh…to execute judgment upon all.” He warned that God would punish those “ungodly sinners” who “have spoken against him.” He had to exemplify unimaginable boldness to remain faithful to God during that dark time, but what I envy most about Enoch is this precious four-word yearbook entry written of him, “he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Simple words, powerful words.
If I could choose a testament written of me, a summary of my pilgrimage here on earth, I wish it could be this: she had this testimony, that she pleased God. He has done so much for me, sacrificed so dearly to provide my salvation, loved me beyond comprehension, and grafted me into His family. O, that it could be said that my life was pleasing to Him!
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
O what grace and mercy You have shown me, O God. I want my life to be pleasing to You, a sweet sacrifice before Your throne. Help me in my daily walk to always have pleasing You as my daily goal.
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