Enoch is not a man who will stop working for long periods. As a person of action, he will not allow his mind to focus on negative circumstances.
He chooses to think about things that are true, just, and honorable. He loves to remember the lovely graces of Orna, the praiseworthy actions of Methuselah, the dozens of altars that continually bring salvation, and the fellowship with like-minded followers of the Lord.
Positive thinking leads to productive action. God has a plan and he intends to step out in faith to fulfill it.
Turning back to the city, about a five-day journey on well-worn roads, is not wise. He chooses to leave Mattawn and Ebele’s broken world after taking care of the dead. The fires of destruction have turned to ashes. There are no signs of life.
Instead of facing wickedness, death, and hatred, he walks where he has never traveled.
Interesting discoveries on each side of the garden intrigue his thinking.
Just north of the Cherubim, who still guard the gate, right where the rivers pour forth, he finds a massive waterway. He is very surprised that it is quite close to Adam’s old place.
Enoch sees that two rivers flow through the unexplored territory. But the waters do not stay within their banks. Large expanses of ground are impassable.
Nokh has never seen land like this. Attempting to penetrate, he experiences odors and noxious rotting things. This new smell of death causes him to turn back. He says,
‘The whole earth is dying.’
By returning the next several days Nokh maps out these waters of the northlands. He can make out the main rivers but the water-filled land between is only seen from the taller trees, which are the highest things in the area.
Biting insects of unusual size suck the life out of him—his skin itches. Red welts swell and last for hours.
Snakes slither into the darkness. His work here is done. He turns back.
Another water, much like his river of the east, flows in the opposite direction, away from the swamp.
These waters refresh his body and calm his spirit. Such familiar sensations draw him forward. He settles in beautiful surroundings: walking, sleeping, eating, floating away from the darkness he has known for too many cycles of the moon.
After such joy his whole body finds rest. Waking early and facing the rising sun, Enoch catches his image in still waters. This reminds him of the day so many years ago when he slipped away from his sleeping wife.
Laughter fills the air as he compares his body today with the one of his youth. He hopes his spirit looks better than his body. He quietly sings his song. The birds join.
‘I love you, Lord
You are the source of life.’
‘I trust you, Lord
Your grace holds me tight.’
‘I turn from sin
There is no other way!’
Then the refrain continues as he sets off looking for new adventures.
‘Forgiven! I walk your walk
There is no other way!
Your mercies are new every morning.
Great is your faithfulness!’
Music of life reaches the deepest corner of his being. The joy of the Lord is his strength.
Enoch had seen wise people of the eastern lands beyond the city use animal power to help them with the labor of making roads and buildings. As he lifts his pack, weighed down with supplies for this extended journey, he plans to make use of all the help he can get.
Pushing along the wide stream he looks for animals that may do his work.
That same day several young sheep surround him in the middle of the trail. Lambs are good for food, and more importantly, they supply the blood of the sacrifice. They still use the skin for coverings. He knows of no other way they could help. They are quiet, often weak, and helpless to even care for themselves.
These animals follow him. They find grass along the path. He leads them to still waters. He gathers them close to his side.
After a tiring journey, they set up camp and sleep. The lambs continue to follow. Within another half-a-day hike the forest trees noticeably thin. Grassy fields filled with flowers, mostly yellow and purple, spread in every direction.
The river moves slowly alongside for a long way. This area is not swampy. Solid ground supports the cloven feet of the sheep. Soft grasses feel wonderful on Nokh’s feet. He runs and leaps like a deer with excited rejoicing marveling at the glory of God’s great earth.
Unusually tall and broad trees punctuate these parts. Enoch sees that it has been untouched by people who might misuse it. This would be a good place to live.
The lambs help him set up a simple encampment as they graze and lie down in green pastures. The river surrounds them on three sides. This gives them a sense of safety.
Toward the setting sun stretches a great expanse of grassy meadow. This is a good place. It provides shelter, safety, still water, and abundant food.
The Lord comes to Enoch in the night. Stars shine brightly. He remembers a dream.
‘I have plans for this place. A lamb of my choosing will come voluntarily. He will shed his blood for the sin of the world.’
Enoch wakes with little understanding of the meaning of the dream but he decides to build a new town right here.
Markers are set. They are permanent, built to remain for many years. Not to be worshipped. The altars must be temporary stones, built from place to place as the need arises.
Each week Enoch builds a new path toward the setting sun, lining each one up with the sunrise. The circuit of the sun spaces these paths at equal distances from each other. He sets up ten.
People start coming. The paths welcome those who come to settle down and live together. Enoch does not know why they come. He doesn’t ask.
But he tells these newcomers that God is the one who leads them in this place. Nokh has no desire to control their lives. As settlers gather, they arrange themselves in groups with similar interests.
Enoch settles with the shepherds on one of the pathways. Others join in avenues of metal workers or javelin and dart makers. There are musicians, scribes, grain growers, foresters, builders, and fabric weavers.
Enoch’s freedom allows him to continue to explore and visit his special place near the garden often. He faithfully sacrifices, feasts with new friends, prays continually, blesses others with good works, and always returns to the waters that flow from God’s Garden finding strength and refreshment there.
This walk with God progresses toward greater intimacy with the Lord.
His book expands. Enoch knows that most of his writings are not God’s words, these are written separately. They are his thoughts.
He desires to leave a witness, as a father, grandfather, and friend. He hopes many will benefit. He prepares a treasure.
‘I have learned to be content because God is with me. As a son of Adam, I repent of my sin, over and over again. The God who created all things that are created is my God. I love him! I trust him! I devote my whole being to him. He is my greatest treasure.’