Adam lives near the springs of water that flow out of the forbidden lands. The general population had moved toward the new worlds of the rising sun. These burgeoning settlements promise prosperity. Many say,
“There is a curse on those who linger near the place of our ancestors.”
Enoch and Orna were both born in the largest city of the river that flowed through these settlements. Their people had prospered and the family which they trace all the way back to Seth, thirdborn son of Adam, continued to provide protection for one another. They enjoy each other and find much peace in strengthening relationships.
Enoch’s father, Jared, had claimed prime land on the outskirts of town. It borders the river upstream and boasts great groves of ancient trees. They live happily on the edge of the masses which now number more than several million according to the best estimates.
Younger generations of their extended family continually find themselves drawn into the growing excitement of the community. It is the festival. No one directs them. These monthly celebrations evolved quickly in recent years and have become an essential part of city life.
Orna supports Enoch’s desire to avoid such powerful but questionable attractions. When the moon began to decline many days ago, she listened with great understanding.
“Next cycle of the moon would you be willing to avoid the swarming crowd and follow the path upstream?”
No one ever goes upstream. Group pressure. Fear grips the majority, even family members of Enoch.”‘Old stories! Who needs them?’
Influential leaders of the city say it so often most people accept it as fact.
Enoch does not! Just as he and Haran explored the bounties of God’s creation downstream, he and Orna could forge paths upstream. Enoch is willing to look into the old ways wherever that may lead him.
“Let me tell you, if you wish to be in step with the rest of us, you must participate in the community festivals each time they come around.”
Enoch measures his words carefully each time his cousin mentions the festival.
They are fun—lots of food, feasting, and the best wines. God has been good, and all ages gayly celebrate with performances of human excellence, rhythmic music, and sacrifices of worship to God. As the darkness closes in, they slumber in exhausted lustful repose.
Then the great men begin to come among them. How could anyone keep their eyes off them?
These giants among men stand in majesty, arrogantly boasting about their masculine perfections; they capture the attention of every woman and child. New wisdom breaks bondage to old restraints.
“Yes!”
The man on the street is saying.
“God created us the way we are, and he is honored when we satisfy our deepest most genuine human desires.”
It is difficult not to become enraptured with them physically and spiritually. The greatest prize is when one of their own daughters is chosen for marriage to these awesome ones. People begin to feel like they had never felt before. There is new freedom. Life is worth living. Food tastes better. Sleep brings more peace. Wine never satisfied like this.
“God is pleased!”
Because Orna and Enoch have no children, they quietly protect their own beliefs and do not feel threatened by false teaching. But they know these men take people away from God. When the festival arrives, the one that Haran warned them not to miss, they walk the opposite direction. Enoch asks.
“Why is the friend of my youth going the way of the people?”
During their early years they acted alike, thought alike, swam, fished, climbed, hiked, and ate with one mind. Physical sweat and grime elevated their flesh and blood—they were not only cousins, but their friendship was also inviolable.
Now they are choosing different paths.