The ‘People of the Dart Shop,’ as they come to be known, do not anticipate that their public display of traditional sacrifice could cause them so much grief.
Customers begin to talk openly of going to other shops. One former patron confesses to Haran,
‘We realize the other shops do not make quality darts like yours, but . . .’
Haran struggles when they close up the old shop in city-center for good. Nokh is not at all surprised. It has been coming to this for a long time.
Customers have stopped coming. Inventory disappears, prized pieces come up missing. Someone is stealing right under their noses.
Haran says to Enoch with bitterness in his voice,
‘It looks like our enemies have won.’
Both families are experiencing the darkness of sin and its results.
They try to understand as they carry the last of their lifework toward Nokh’s house.
‘What has happened to our safe, peaceful community?’
Right now, they plan to continue working together in this new location and see what God has for their future.
Enoch becomes uncharacteristically quiet and soft-spoken. He knows God has a purpose in this difficulty too.
He wants to teach their families about sin; how it came into their world; and its dreadful effect on everyone. It leads to death in so many ways.
After many months, thinking that he has done all he can for his family Enoch rests leisurely with Methuselah one fine afternoon and says,
‘I wish to travel now to see Mattawn and build relationship with our families of the west.’
Because of Enoch’s generosity Haran gratefully receives what is left of the shop, now he gladly becomes its sole owner. They agree that the only way to overcome sin in their own lives is through the gift of the lamb. How to overcome sin in the world is beyond them.
The special river houses, olive groves and properties will continue as the homes for both families. One lingering question from Haran continues to puzzle Nokh as he prepares for the journey.
‘Do you think God wants us to escape out of the world?’
Nokh rejoices to see Haran’s spiritual growth.
Haran says,
‘Surely God has put us here for a reason.’
Nokh admits that his cousin and oldest friend is right.
‘It is wrong to flee.’
From that moment both men attempt to walk with God: Working with their hands, caring for family, not participating in the wickedness of the world, and speaking often about God; his power and glory.
They also make plans to speak out against the wickedness of the new worship. Methuselah and his family start thinking about their future but are willing to stay in the city for now.
Enoch says,
‘We must warn people about the sin of the altar-worship in the city.’
Methuselah agrees,
‘It celebrates in wicked ungodly ways the wonderful bodies God has created. People worship the worshippers. They become more important than the Creator.’
The same persons frequently add to God’s instruction. Few know why. It seems to come from within: Works of righteousness persons do, even in God’s strength, produce personal significance and elevate a sense of purpose.
Enoch knows that sinful souls cannot atone for their own sin. Any form of human endeavor cannot save one soul, let alone the entire world.
Haran still has doubts because of the pull of his family but he overcomes by faith. He believes! This gives peace in the midst of the storm.