Life does not resume with normal balance after one has a face-to-face encounter with God. The place in which it occurs is not important, the experience, the forever moment, the glory casts its glow, even though veiled, over a changed life.
Enoch knows God before the meeting. Now he knows more. There is so much more to learn. Transcendent power, authority, and steadfast love far exceed anything he has heard or seen. His eyes have seen, and his ears have heard some of the glories that God has prepared for those who love him.
Now that Enoch knows God as never before he desires to learn more about him. He grasps the truth.
‘I will never be satisfied with yesterday’s experiences. My journey must continue.’
Passion for friendship with God grows out of his fear of the Lord. A healthy respect leads to obedience, obedience in every circumstance leads to growth because he has settled down and is at home with God.
Sitting and waiting for another encounter with his creator is not an option. It does not enter into his thinking.
The Lord has placed us on earth for a reason. Nokh realizes this as never before and steps out in faith believing that God will walk with him every step of the way. God is the leader. He will follow.
Fascination with things he discovered in Mattawn’s town draws him back to the territory where a cousin lives. He calls him his friend of the North Star. Together they reconstruct from evidence; the attack, the murders, and even some reasons that it happened.
Enoch speaks.
‘My biggest problem about all of this is not how it happened or even why, but that this must be consistent with God’s steadfast love.’
Nokh’s cousin asks.
‘Should God’s people find contentment in the fact that God is love and everything that comes to pass, including the difficult things, is a manifestation of God’s eternal love.’
They both agree and commit themselves to a life of surrender. If the Lord is the one that we claim him to be, we will submit to everything. It is wonderful to openly discuss God’s love and his righteousness, and they spend hours fellowshipping in the truth of God’s word.
The only appropriate outcome of true submission accepts even horrific events with thankful spirits.
Enoch’s yearly visit to families of the East comes and goes without incident. He sees that older people cling to God’s word but the younger generation, now numbering as the stars, have been drawn into the new religion promoted by the sons of God.
They claim superior knowledge. Their leadership has taken on characteristics that blaspheme the name of God. They do not follow the God of Adam, Mahalalel, and Enoch. Masses of people are following this new belief. They ignore and often ridicule the old ways.
At every opportunity, Enoch asks God for openings to speak out by giving his testimony of faith. He prays for opportunities. Some respond with a smirk as if to say,
‘That is all right for you, but we have a greater knowledge, far superior to your outdated and judgmental thinking.’
The two friends, Nokh and his cousin, dream of exploring the river toward the setting sun. This unexplored river bursts out of the darkness with a vigorous swiftness and refreshing clarity. Companionship on the way with its discovery of things never seen before provides incredible days for both of them. Nokh reminds them.
‘God made us to walk in fellowship with one another as much as for fellowship with him.’
An interesting and helpful response comes.
‘Why do you call yourself Nokh?’
Enoch answers in a pensive voice after much thought. He does not remember the details.
‘I think my cousin Haran started using it each time we made a notch on my javelin for a perfect throw. It is more difficult than one might think. We don’t have many notches.’
The two learn a lot about each other. Belief in God binds them together. Stories and knowledge of life and godliness increase appreciation. Sharing is good. Friends do that.
The North Star cousin says,
‘I hope I can meet our cousin Haran someday.’
Nokh smiles.
‘It is possible. He speaks of bringing his family to our new town on the south river. We call it the Gihon because its source is also the Garden of God.’
It would be radical for a family of that size and standing to leave the city. Nokh expresses doubt that it would be good for them or the people of the new town. He wonders if it is God’s plan.
Contentment in his own heart with Haran’s final decision replaces attempts to control others. Enoch accepts that each person is accountable to God for his actions.
‘God fulfills his purpose and reveals a plan for each individual.’
Observing some small stones of unique color and weight draws them further away than they had initially planned. Collected pieces never lost their shine. Like stars of the sky, this new experience intrigues them. God’s world is amazing in their eyes.
When each returns to his place, peace overwhelms Nokh. He stops to visit the Lord at the gates of Eden. The Lord comes to him. He sees the hand of God. It is more than a vision or dream. Later he says,
‘I felt the touch of God on my shoulder.’
Arriving at the new town on the Gihon River he senses an unsettling lack of unity. A few families have overpowered others and taken control of one of the avenues. Reports of envy disturb Enoch. He knows.
‘Sin works itself into our lives in many ways.’
He hates sin. Attempts to bring resolution as a peacemaker are inadequate. Unity can only come when people trust God for help, walk in obedience according to his will, and work in harmony with one another. Reconciliation does not come.
Can a person who walks with God have victory over sin? A spectacular nighttime sky brings Nokh an answer. He has a settled assurance that anyone can move from hostility to harmony by coming to God with repentance and faith. This reconciliation is with God and people.