"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24).

This characterization, that a man "walked with God," is only used to describe two men in the primeval world. No doubt Adam and Eve had walked with God until in sin "they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD" (Genesis 3:8).

But we note from our text that six generations later Enoch walked with God. Moreover we see that his great grandson followed his example: "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). What does it mean that these men walked with God?

1. It implies reconciliation. Amos 3:3 asks rhetorically, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

2. It implies communion. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14). There is a fellowship with walking together.

3. It implies progression. For over 300 years Enoch walked with God. Such a relationship cannot remain stationary. If one ceases to improve, then God walks on while the believer is left behind.

4. It implies protection. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).

5. It implies identification. When we walk beside God it becomes apparent to others that we are closely associated with Him. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (I John 2:6). DW