The Lad's Doubt: Humility and Revelation in Enoch's Story

We are often presented with genealogies in scripture—lists of names stretching back through generations. It’s easy to skim them, to see them as mere historical markers, devoid of personal significance. But within these seemingly dry accounts lie profound spiritual lessons, opportunities for reflection on covenants, faith, and the enduring nature of God’s work. This week’s Come Follow Me reading, coupled with a thoughtful discussion in the Jackson Howell Podcast, compels us to look deeper, to see the individual stories woven into the fabric of lineage.

The narrative of Enoch, found in Genesis 5 and expanded upon in Moses 6, exemplifies this principle. While Genesis briefly mentions Enoch’s unique relationship with God – “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24) – Moses unveils the depth of his experience, his humility, and the magnitude of the divine calling he received. To truly grasp the weight of this revelation, listen to the full episode:

What struck me most, and what Marcus so eloquently highlights in the podcast, is Enoch’s initial response to his calling. He expresses doubt, acknowledging his slowness of speech and perceived lack of favor. “I am but a lad and all the people hate me for I am slow of speech,” he confesses. This isn't the profile of a confident, ready-made prophet. It’s a man wrestling with inadequacy, mirroring a struggle familiar to each of us who has ever felt called to serve but questioned our ability to do so.

Consider the parallel with Moses. The Lord’s call to deliver Israel was met with similar hesitation, a profound sense of unworthiness. Both men, despite their deep love for the Lord, questioned their capacity to fulfill such a monumental task. The Lord’s response to both, however, is consistent: He assures them of His support, promising utterance and strength. “I will do as seemeth me good.” This isn't a dismissal of their concerns; it’s a reaffirmation of His power and a promise of divine assistance.

This is a vital reminder, brothers and sisters. Our feelings of inadequacy do not disqualify us from service. It is in recognizing our dependence on the Lord that we become instruments of His will. The Lord sees potential we often fail to recognize in ourselves. He works through the meek, the humble, those who acknowledge their need for His grace. Think of the countless times we’ve been asked to serve in a calling, to teach a lesson, to offer counsel, and felt a pang of uncertainty. Remember Enoch’s doubt, remember Moses’s hesitation, and draw strength from the Lord’s unwavering assurance.

Moreover, the restoration of this lineage through the Prophet Joseph Smith, granting us access to the book of Moses, underscores the enduring nature of God’s covenants and the ongoing revelation He extends to His children. The doctrine taught by Enoch—faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost—is “in the beginning [and] shall be in the end of the world also” (Moses 6:7). This foundational truth, passed down through generations, remains the bedrock of our testimony.

Let us strive to emulate Enoch’s humility, to seek revelation, and to trust in the Lord’s promises, even when doubt clouds our vision. And let us remember that even the most seemingly insignificant details in scripture hold profound spiritual significance, waiting to be uncovered through diligent study and prayer.