Daily Encouragementنموونە

Faith pleases God. The whole Bible makes this clear. This great chapter itself is a record of men and women who down the ages pleased God, and the recurring phrase which characterizes them is the familiar, “by faith.” How different they all were. There was a variety even in the expression of their faith, but they all came to God, they all lived “by faith.”

The immediate reference here is to Enoch who “by faith was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death” and who “before he was taken . . . was commended as one who pleased God” (verse 5). The writer is quoting the Septuagint, the version of the Old Testament which he used (even in those days they had a choice!) He agrees that the statement that Enoch pleased God is proof positive of his faith.

Once again F. F. Bruce makes an apposite comment:

No doubt our author states the basic principle, as revealed by the record of Enoch, for the benefit and encouragement of his readers. Of their desire to please God he has no doubt; he insists, however, that they cannot please Him apart from faith - the faith which not only believes that He exists but waits patiently and confidently for the reward promised to those who seek Him.

Let us please God today, as we trust him today.