There are lessons in the life and teachings of Enoch that strengthen my trust, faith and testimony of the Lord during these challenging times. Enoch lived in a time of great wickedness, yet the people were able to remain unspotted from the world and were successful in establishing Zion.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband said: “Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. I bless you to choose to stand in holy places and be not moved. I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us” (Ronald A. Rasband, “Be Not Troubled,” Ensign, November 2018).
The lessons of Enoch exemplify the truthfulness of Elder Rasband’s words. The Lord is watching over us and standing by us just as He watched over and walked with the people in the time of Enoch. Since many, if not most of us, feel the spiritual peril of our age, the following lessons gleaned, especially from the Pearl of Great Price, may be helpful.
Love of God
The love of God for His children is prominent in the experiences of Enoch. God loved Enoch and He loved those children who were disobedient, therefore, He called upon Enoch to cry repentance (Moses 6:27). God wanted His children to turn to Him. He is consistent in providing opportunities for His children in every generation to turn unto Him. Some recent opportunities include Come Follow Me studies, alterations to the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, as well as a deeper emphasis on ministering one to another.
His Sprit Will Be with Us
When Enoch was called by the Lord he felt overwhelmed by his inadequacies (Moses 6: 27, 31-32). As we consider our abilities, we often find ourselves lacking, but the Lord can make us able in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. We might be young or inexperienced, however, the Holy Ghost can teach and guide us.
Enoch felt inadequate even more than he felt that the people hated him. The Lord promised Enoch, just as He promises each of us, that His Spirit would be with him (Moses 6: 31-34). This is the same promise we receive when we partake of the sacrament.
Despite his fears Enoch was obedient and he moved forward with his call. Enoch could have chosen to continue being the good person he was without accepting this call to serve. The question arises: What would have happened to all the people he was able to teach and unify? What would have happened to the city of Zion?
I am very aware how very different my life would have been if the missionaries who found my family and taught us had not served as missionaries. Would someone else have found us? Perhaps? My mother is convinced there was only one missionary that could have reached her heart. I am a strong believer in the Lord’s timing.
There are missions for each of us to fulfill and the timing of our actions often makes all the difference in the lives of others. Just as the efforts of Enoch mattered in the creation of the city of Zion our efforts matter in the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil as we prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Power of the Word
There is power in the word of God. Jared taught his son Enoch “in all the ways of God” (Moses 6:21). We can apply the example of Jared as we teach our children and the people within our circle of influence our knowledge of the covenant path. “And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled” (Moses 6:47).
One by One
Enoch did not build Zion instantly - it was one person, one believer at a time (Moses 6:40). Then they gathered in unity, supported one another, edified, encouraged, and continued to reach out to find more believers until one day they were lifted up to the Lord and still the work was not done (Moses 7: 21). They continued to return and find all those who desired to turn to God. The work continued. “And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion” (Moses 7:27).
We might be surrounded by wickedness but we can still choose the covenant path. Our surroundings do not determine our choices. We can choose to follow the prophet even when it seems everyone around us is choosing another path.
The way of the Lord is miraculous. Zion can be built but only with the Lord’s help and blessing. He can soften hearts, strengthen the feeble knees and help the weak to stand. His power is beyond comprehension and yet very real in our lives today.
Peace is Internal
I have often thought I just need some calm so I can think. How do people accomplish anything in chaotic circumstances? Time has taught me that peace and calm are internal and can be very unconnected to external circumstances. The people in the city of Zion are an example to me of this truth. “And from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them; but the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness” (Moses 7:16).
An additional and related promise from the Lord says: “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee” (Isaiah 54:10). The Lord’s presence with the people of Enoch during a time of wars and bloodshed reassures me that He will be with me now.
Our Missions Differ
Enoch’s son Methuselah did not depart with the city of Zion (Moses 8:2). He “was left on the earth when the city of Enoch was taken to provide a posterity through which Noah would come” (the Bible Dictionary in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible). We too have unique missions to fulfill.
“This dispensation is distinct in that the Lord will lead us to become prepared to be like the city of Enoch” (Henry B. Eyring, “Sisters in Zion,” Ensign, November 2020). So, the life of Enoch really can bolster and strengthen us as we seek to become more Christlike during this rare and miraculous time.