Earth Year 980
The trail on the north side of East River proved to be interesting but extremely difficult and it took at least three times longer to travel to the sheltered group beyond the swamp toward the setting of the sun. The hiker loved every step of the way.
No one remembered when three rivers were given names, East toward the rising of the sun, South, and North. South River Town claimed they were first to name theirs—others followed. Pride in their community influenced everything South Town did. It became the best place to live in the whole world. Its influential position among men was known to the ends of the globe.
Enoch said little about the recently discovered river that flowed toward the setting of the sun. South Town had found a few sun-colored shiny things, Nokh’s people had gathered a great deal more on their river.
Five years had passed. Enoch journeyed to East River City each year as he promised. Believers were encouraged and comforted in the fellowship. They showed affection and mercy to one another. Nokh’s humility, gentleness, and patient words of hope showed how much they were loved.
On every trip he determined to witness to Ywek before he left. Three times he was able to meet him face to face. Messages were left when he could not see him. Nokh prayed for Ywek.
Enoch influenced people wherever he journeyed. His testimony of faith in God earned him respect even among the false teaching groups for they said he practiced what he preached. Believers loved him with a special love. They knew he cared for them.
Angels ministered to Nokh as God’s messengers. He lost count of the number of times they had escorted him to the gates. Someone had made a cleansing basin at the entrance and out of it the three rivers flowed. A cleansing in the pure waters became a normal procedure before he reached up to grasp the hand of God and walked with him past the flaming swords. Did God’s holiness require this washing of sinful flesh?
Total submission to the will of God took the place of questions. There was no need for them. He accepted everything God did. Even the death of good people made sense when he understood the alternatives. Knowing God elevated his knowledge of sin and its consequences. Experience proved he was no different than anyone else.
Walks with God in the perfection of his dwelling place on earth never ceased to take Nokh’s breath away. Orange poppies scattered among taller purple lupine shaded by trees that always displayed marvelous blossoms, flourished in the presence of their creator when he walked past them. Every shade of blue sparkled brightly from the depths of crystal pools. Yellows glowed with light from within reflecting the light that surrounded God.
Reds hid successfully and seldom punctuated the scene. Fruits with much more than sweetness—texture, moisture, color, deliciousness like water drops dripped from every tree. Waters from springs tasted of flavors and provided coolness on the lips.
They talked quietly. There was no rush. Many times no words were spoken. Closeness of the man’s body to God satisfied every longing of the flesh. He yearned for the Lord more than anything else this marvelous creation had to offer.
Sin’s lure was empty. Enoch saw it for what it was—rebellion against a holy God. Satan’s trickery exposed itself as shallow, incredibly stupid, ugly. Purity was beautiful. Sins of the flesh, the mind and the tongue spewed black bile over everything they touched.
“Do not go to East City this year. I ask you to take the North River Trail and make your way over to the plains of Ararat an unknown way. Your journey will be long and arduous. Take time to grow in grace and truth. I will instruct you and guide you with my eye.”
The lover went out not knowing the path he was taking or what he would do when he arrived. This journey was going to be interesting. He would enjoy every moment. He loved hiking with God.
“Spend lots of time and build relationship with Methuselah’s family. Take special notice of his firstborn son, Lamech. He is now nearly one hundred years of age on this earth. Teach him how to walk with me. I love you Nokh.”
“I love you Lord with my whole being, with my mind, my heart, and soul.”
“Thank you.”
It took days of preparation for a new and interesting trip. Nokh loved planning, gathering, and thinking about this new adventure. He had learned to live off the land. Its bounty never disappointed.
“I do not know why he sends me on this mission, pray for boldness to testify of God’s greatness, love and holy judgments against sin.”
The group of older women, including widow Haran promised they would pray. Nokh’s absence might be long. The little group had never grown beyond its original number. Peace prevailed. God’s rule flourished.
North River turned wild within a half day’s journey. After all of his travels Nokh had never experienced anything like it. Wooly beasts, broad backed panthers, white bear roamed freely. Fascination became disgust when he saw how ferociously they attacked birds, small animals, and one another yet they did not come near the observer.
Thank you God, I know you are protecting me from these wild things. When I see the works of your hand I praise you but when I witness terrible scenes with horrible destruction of life, I agree with you—I hate what sin has brought into our world!
Stately oaks more than eight hundred years old untouched by wind or storm stood like sentinels showing Nokh the way to his destination. As he sketched a tree in his mind he realized that a huge root system held it solidly in place. God revealed application to his life.
My strength comes from you Lord. You are like the root and trunk. I am the branches. You are my life.
Amazing lessons were learned as forest trees closed in around him. He could hardly breathe. Brambles so thick he had to walk on top of them made the way impossible. There was no path. He was lost. No one could crawl under them. Thorns tore bloody scars on Nokh’s legs and arms. Infection like he had never seen caused seeping sores. Itching, scratching irritations took weeks to clear up.
By the time he arrived at the flat places of Ararat he only wanted to enjoy the cooling waters.
Why did you bring me on such a difficult journey Lord? You did teach me to hate sin. I appreciate that even though I felt lost you did not leave me. You directed my way. I am not sure about the rash that still itches so bad. It is hard not to scratch it and that makes it worse. Our bodies you have given us are amazing. Thank you for walking with me. I love the quiet times too.
The Lord brought Lamech to him. He was still soaking in the pool not knowing he was so close to the place where Methuselah’s family sheltered. The son was a mighty man even though still a youth.
He jumped right in as if they were old friends. Enoch asked his grandson, “Has my son learned grace?”
The answer to this question would tell Nokh a lot. Lamech totally understood and assured him that God had taught all of them many important lessons about grace and compassion. They did not compromise truth. The community became exemplary with growth in grace and truth.
“Everyone says that you are responsible for the change that has become the new normal for all of us.”
“Thanks for your appreciation, but give all praise and glory to God.”
Then he shared stories of his treacherous journey of recent weeks and much appreciation to God for faithfulness each step of the way.”
Sacrifices at altars, forgiveness of sin before God, forgiveness of personal offences in the community, feasting, loving, planting, weeding, harvesting, laughing, speaking the word of the Lord filled many days. Time came for Enoch to return. He would avoid East City on the trail north of the river.
Nothing could be as difficult as the North River route. Lamech was to go with him. God had a plan. Everyone trusted and obeyed. Their minds and hearts were right. Their belief in God and his word determined their actions.
When the two men came to the main fork in the trail, one toward the city, the other toward home, Nokh said to his grandson, “I will go. inquire about Ywek, the leader of the city.”
“Will you go with me?”
“Is it dangerous? Would you advise me to wait here?
“Yes!”
Nokh wanted Lamech to make his own decision as God would lead him. The two went and stayed close to the river, coming downstream to the old family home. Small groups of women and men stood apart in deep conversation with serious faces.
Ywek had been attacked by rivals seeking to take over control of the city.
“He was brought to this quiet place, but we do not know if he will survive.”
“He is asking for you Enoch?”
The two old rivals talked at length. Each day Ywek was strengthened. Nokh told him again, as gently as possible, of his total reliance on God. Ywek appreciated the kindness. He survived.
“I do not know what may happen tomorrow,” he said as they prepared to part, “I do know that God judges all sin. He has told me judgment will come on this wicked generation. Those who obey the word of the Lord will be rescued.”