Time levels things. Reasons vary. People gravitate toward the center of their own world and shut out remembrance. The everlasting present focuses on self-gratification in the pleasures or anxieties of the moment.
Those who choose to keep the ugliness, erase the past with cynicism. Then there are those who genuinely lay aside sins of the past.
The first family speaks in somber, hushed tones about Adam, the first man. Enoch and Orna have returned to their home without meeting Adam face to face. That was months ago now. The journey is a distant memory as life takes on typical routines.
Nokh never tires of sitting in the cool of the day with family and friends. Eyes often land on dancing flames when not fixed with wonder upon the magnificence of the starry sky. These are the times when Enoch cannot forget the extraordinary events of the journey upriver.
Special times call for the sacrifice. The altar, a place of obedience and dedication, still draws many toward God.
This time just the two of them come to worship. The flame sputters out and she whispers with what sounds like distress in her voice:
‘Nokh, thank you! I am happy you do this. Now I am ready to present our baby to God.’
Enoch replies,
‘May it be tonight!’
The time has come. Birthing babies is not easy. God had told them it would be one of the hardest labors any woman would face. They accept God’s proclamation. Sin has changed so many things. Can they escape the curse?
Hours later the rising sun chases the stars away. Darkness had permeated the distress of the long night.
Nokh cradles the boy baby in his strong arms. With one finger he traces the face with its perfect features: Dark eyes reach inside his soul.
He praises God for the miracle of life. Three beautiful people cuddle. Their flesh pulses with soft breath. Methuselah has been born. Refreshing waters bathe their tired bodies. They understand the grace of each moment. God is good!
Orna my decision is final,
‘I will walk with God!’
At the next community festival succulent meats and savory vegetables satisfy the cravings of every celebrant. Only the best sacrifice is enough for a day like this. Sweet wine of the new harvest is fragrant on their breath.
The lamb’s blood pours out before God. A meal shared builds relationship with one another. Salt adds grace to the feast. It stands for promises made to others.
Flames of the altar leap as Enoch holds his baby high, invoking God’s blessing. With thanksgiving he loudly announces,
‘His name is Methuselah: the man of the javelin!’
Then he prays for all to hear.
‘O Lord my God, I give my life to you. I will walk with you from this day forward. Now please, may Methuselah grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.’
Haran silently turns away as others dance with joy.
Core belief systems divide families. Religion, politics faith or unbelief, ethics, even personal preferences cause wounds that heal slowly. Scars often remain for years yet lived.