With hatred, violence and public shaming increasing, one thing has not changed: it is about water.
Water. Soft and gentle with healing in its buoyant bubbles, never ceases to amaze Enoch and his family. They realize that life on earth would be impossible without the God-given gift of water. In a moment of great reflection he asks,
‘What do we do with water?’
These words pop into his mind – drink, wash, restore, enjoy, cleanse, watch, listen, refresh, embrace.
‘Water heals!’
Enoch understands. Husband and wife together need this encouraging touch of gentleness.
‘I must be kind to Orna. My deep, loyal love for her is above all other things patient.’
His idea of rivers and streams is limited because all he knows comes from his own experience. Their territory is very flat. The highest things they ever see are trees.
Trees are Enoch’s life. The raw materials for most of his craft, which he sells in the shop, are derived from trees. He and Haran have climbed to the tops of the ones with spreading branches. Towering evergreens with myriad shades of green point to the heavens with majestic recognition of the source of all life in the Creator.
Trees and water are the two things that have not changed since his ancestors were expelled from Eden. The story does not change. Adam sinned against God and was judged. He would never enter the garden again.
Eve had started it, but the Lord of the Universe holds Adam responsible. Enoch’s own parents have passed on the knowledge of good and evil so that it reaches his generation. Enoch, the seventh from Adam seldom attempts to understand everything.
This knowledge of evil has driven many people further away from God. No one knew the depths of sin they are capable of doing. Human moods and rebellions are beyond grasp. Even now as his children mature, he wonders,
‘What is life about?’
He innately knows which deeds are good and those that are evil. Enoch believes God and it is counted as righteousness. His human conscience helps bring peaceful assurance.
Unanswered questions can wait. But he wants to know the source of the river.
‘I will find where this water comes from.’
Everyone loves the waters of the mighty Euphrates. It flows like grace as a gift from God for both the righteous and the wicked. It sustains life on earth.