Life in the city could never be the same for Enoch. Prosperity as a result of the olive grove with its production of fine oils, growing popularity of the family bringing them power in the community, and congenial relationships within the families make Enoch feel like he does not belong here.
The materialism and satisfaction of every fleshly desire increases along with these prosperities. Such attractions no longer appeal to Enoch. He prays,
‘Lord, please help me to fulfill your will here. You have brought me here for a purpose and I will stay as long as you wish.’
Enoch preaches the word of the Lord to all who will listen. Haran does not like his cousin’s boldness and speaks out against it often.
They finally decide to go separate ways and dissolve all partnerships. A great concern of Nokh is protecting his children and grandchildren. Many are given positions of responsibility and will maintain possession of Enoch’s old home and the mature grove of olive trees.
Some of the trees are now over a hundred years old and produce wonderful crops without fail.
Several of Enoch’s children continue working with Haran. A son becomes skilled in crafting darts and Haran helps him revive the dart shop. His reputation spreads rapidly.
Nokh grieves over this final division over spiritual issues within his family.
The extended family gathers periodically for feasting, fellowship, and playful games.
After the separation agreement, the whole group meets in the old grove, which provides a perfect place for celebration with succulent meals from their sacrifices at the altar. The wine flows freely. Infused oils are amazing.
It is generally the place of honor for the older ones to pour out the blood of the sacrifice as a portion dedicated to God.
On this day, the younger ones crowd in with incantations, loud drumming, and vigorous flailing that they insist is necessary to please God.
Enoch drops his head in shame and steps away from the spectacle. Tears well up in his eyes. Khavu, his youngest daughter, stands by him and says,
‘This is why we called you home with such urgency.’
Amazed he responds,
‘Does this bother you?’
‘This spiritual division,’
She answers while looking toward the larger group of relatives.
‘It has caused me to question my love for God. Should I choose my family over my love for God?’
She quietly whispers in his ear.
‘What can we do to bring our family back to godliness? How can we have a strengthening relationship with God when we do not obey his word?’
Enoch feels a responsibility to help but honestly does not know what to do.
The joy of family celebration soon explodes as two young men bloody each other in a serious fight about some small difference. This fight is on the same meadow next to the river where Enoch and Orna’s firstborn was conceived so many years ago.
Now it has become a muddied slope where allies join in what some think is a good-natured wrestling match but hands and faces testify to the intensity of one man’s hatred for another.
What can a father do?
‘To rule by force and anger is not my solution,’
Enoch replies to his daughter,
‘If I lead by anger, I am no better than they are.’
By evening, which comes quietly, the protecting curtain of mist draws back. Stars blaze brightly. This majestic sight quiets a small group that remains.
‘Violence increases among our families since evil multiplies.’
One of the group says slowly measuring her words,
‘The minds of these sons of God are continually devising new schemes of wickedness.’
All relationships are breaking down.
Another adds,
‘It is not about love for God, it is love for the people God created.’
Selfishness increases. Love falters. Words must be chosen carefully. Offenses come far too easily.
Enoch attempts to share what he has learned from Adam.
‘Sadness permeates everything he says, his work, and even his sleep.
He goes on to tell what Adam says about the human condition.
‘Anger enrages Adam because of his failure.’
Often the sinner does not understand the ways of God. Because he has drifted away from the Lord, he turns some of his anger toward God.
On top of his feelings, he drew his wife Eve into this web of distrust. He blamed Eve for the original sin he committed.
Years later they both find a measure of peace as the Lord reveals his plan for hope.
He had told Enoch.
‘Once God makes a person-an angel, a woman, a man-that person will live forever.’
God calls it immortality. However, each person is responsible for the use of this time God has given.
Anger leads to death which for people created in the image of God is a temporary separation of the body and soul.
Adam said,
‘Our firstborn son Cain traveled the road to destructive anger. We did not want to follow his evil way.’
Their inner spirit breaks when Cain murders his brother. Years later, long before Eve dies, Adam comes to terms with God’s plan for eternal life.
Now, the wasted years haunt him. He still sacrifices. He tries to obey God. He questions. Regret taunts.
God’s love, his consistent mercy, grace, and gentleness, conquers. Trust grows. Enoch’s word of faith builds the faith of others. A few people in his family and the community turn from sinful behavior.
Everyone who trusts God is forgiven. God accepts them. He remembers their sin no more.
Enoch rejoices!