That’s the story of Enoch.

According to Legends of the Jews, after spending a long time in seclusion, Enoch heard an angel calling him. “Enoch, Enoch,” the angel said, “make yourself ready…and assume dominion over men, to teach them the ways in which they shall walk…that they may walk in the ways of God." Think about that for a moment. Imagine being called to not just live righteously yourself, but to guide an entire world towards righteousness.

Enoch answered that call. He emerged from his retreat and began to teach people about God. He sent messengers far and wide, proclaiming, "Ye who desire to know the ways of God and righteous conduct, come ye to Enoch!" And they came. A vast crowd gathered around him, eager to learn from his wisdom. Even kings and princes – one hundred and thirty of them, no less – submitted to his rule, seeking his guidance.

For two hundred and forty-three years, peace reigned while Enoch taught and guided. It was a golden age, a time when humanity was focused on walking in God’s ways. This period ended the year that Adam died. Imagine the profound symbolism: as the first man's life drew to a close, Enoch, a beacon of righteousness, prepared for a new chapter. Adam was buried with great honors by Seth, Enosh, Enoch, and Methuselah.

But Enoch, being human, eventually yearned for a deeper connection with the Divine. He decided to withdraw from the world again, to dedicate himself fully to God. He didn't just vanish overnight, though. Instead, he gradually reduced his interactions. At first, he would spend three days in prayer and praise, returning to his disciples on the fourth day to instruct them. Then, he appeared only once a week, then once a month, and finally, just once a year.

Can you picture the awe that surrounded Enoch? Kings, princes, and commoners alike longed to see him, to hear his words. But during his times of retreat, they dared not approach him. According to the legends, such an "awful majesty" radiated from his face that they feared for their lives if they even looked at him! Instead, they presented their requests on the single day each year that he appeared. They prostrated themselves before him, crying, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"

Then, one day, while Enoch was giving audience, an angel appeared again. This time, the message was even more extraordinary: God had decided to install Enoch as king over the angels in heaven, just as he had reigned over men on Earth!

Enoch gathered everyone and said, "I have been summoned to ascend into heaven, and I know not on what day I shall go thither. Therefore I will teach you wisdom and righteousness before I go hence." He spent his remaining days imparting wisdom, knowledge, and piety. He established laws and order, ensuring the well-being of his people.

And then, a gigantic steed descended from the skies. Enoch announced, "The steed is for me, for the time has come and the day when I leave you, never to be seen again." He mounted the steed, continuing to instruct and exhort the people as he rode. Eight hundred thousand people followed him for a day’s journey!

But Enoch knew that his ascent was not for everyone. On the second day, he urged his followers to turn back, warning them that death would overtake them if they continued. Most obeyed, but a dedicated few remained. Day after day, he pleaded with them to return, but they refused. On the sixth day, he made his final plea: "Go ye home, for on the morrow I shall ascend to heaven, and whoever will then be near me, he will die."

Still, some remained, declaring, "Whithersoever thou goest, we will go. By the living God, death alone shall part us."

And so, on the seventh day, Enoch was carried into the heavens in a fiery chariot drawn by fiery chargers. Imagine that scene – a mortal man, ascending to the heavens in a blaze of glory.

The next day, the kings who had turned back sent messengers to discover the fate of those who had stayed behind. They found snow and hailstones where Enoch had ascended, and beneath them, the bodies of all who had remained. Enoch alone was missing. He was on high, in heaven.

What does this story tell us? It speaks of the potential for human beings to achieve extraordinary spiritual heights. It reminds us that righteousness, wisdom, and devotion can lead to unimaginable transformations. And it leaves us pondering: what kind of legacy are we creating here on Earth? What will our final ascent look like?