January 19

“And Noah walked with God.” Gen. 6: 9. The apostle gives us a fine representation of religion when, speaking of God, he says, “With whom we have to do.” We have to do with our fellow-creatures in various relations; but morality must be supported by piety, and flow from it. It is with God we have principallv

to do. Our connections with him, our expectations from him, our obligations to him, are all supreme.

Three expressions are observable as to our walking with regard to God:

First, we read of “walking after the Lord.” This supposes him to be our leader and example, and requires us to be followers of him as dear children. “They shall walk after the Lord,” says Hosea.

Secondly, we read of walking before God. This supposes him to be our observer and witness; we are thus always in his sight. “Walk before me,” said God to Abraham. “I will walk before the Lord,” says David, “in the land of the living.”

We also read of “walking with God.” So did Noah. So did Enoch. So does every partaker of divine grace. This seems to hold him forth as our companion and friend. This may seem surprising, but so it is. There is an intercourse between us; we have fellowship one with another. In order to this, reconciliation is necessary; for “how can two walk together, except they be agreed?” And this reconciliation must be mutual. It is not enough that God is reconciled to us through the blood of the Cross; we must be also reconciled to God, and love his presence, and choose his way.

For walking with God implies a oneness of course, and supposes that we advance together towards the same end. God’s aim is his own glory; and we are enjoined, “whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, to do all to the glory of God.” As far as we observe this rule, we walk with God; as far as we neglect it, we leave God, and go in another direction.

If we are familiar and conversant with any one, we unavoidably catch something of his spirit and his manners. Hence it is said, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” If I walk with God, I shall resemble him, and all will take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus.

How envied would the man be that was allowed to walk with the king. But I walk with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. “Such honor have all his saints.” What security have I in nearness to him! “He is at my right hand: I shall not be moved.” What can I want if I have him? “My presence shall go with thee; and I will give thee rest.”