As he approaches his comfortable and well-built home, Enoch is encouraged that the blatant ungodliness of the shopping district has not disturbed their peaceful neighborhood.
His home has been built with the same care and craftmanship as his darts and javelins. Many houses are constructed of stone, skins or fabric and green grasses. His stands out with its sturdy woven wooden panels.
Solid floors of smooth brick overlaid with layers of finely worked skins provide comfort for the little ones as they play with the clever wooden toys Enoch has made for them.
Metal clasps hold larger sections of material together. Strong twine laced throughout provides the textured patterns. This covering over the top gives shade and protection from the regular mists that water the earth.
There are no big storms or raging torrents. No hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, or floods. Deserts and extreme heat are unknown. No freezing cold. No snow. No ice.
God’s grace allows them to live in this lovely environment. They keep weeds, thorns, and thistles under control, as the Lord had commanded, after Adam sinned. The ground still produces vegetables, roots, and the finest fruit. It is arduous work but, they find fulfillment in the labor. Sweat pouring down their deeply tanned bodies is God’s will.
Orna creates a beautiful space for Nokh. Savory meals nourish contentment for the entire family. Kids, grandkids, cousins, older ones, gravitate toward this prosperous and cheerful home. Days are filled with love and work and laughter.
This day is special. Anticipation builds as family and friends gather. They have been called. Most of the family surmise that Enoch will say something about his new-found love – His walk with God!
When they find their places in the home he stands and begins with carefully prepared words.
‘You all know that in my search for God, I have concluded that the powerful influence of the festival is not the way I will go. As your mother and I have journeyed to the west we have learned that the old ways are worthy. We have found a peace and joy in the love of God as taught by our ancestors who dwell there. There is much we still do not comprehend but we desire to live life God’s way and pray that each of you will follow.’
Enoch and Orna know that this talk could cause a disturbance in their family and beyond. They are not taken by surprise when several speak out against them. Enoch stills the group:
‘Join us in this celebration at the altar. Trust God! This is the way for forgiveness of sin. Hope for the future. May love for God and one another fill each of our hearts.’
He concludes.
‘We walk by faith, not by sight. Until the Lord gives us another plan, Orna and I will follow the way of the altar! We will show the obedience that Abel, our faithful ancestor, showed as he brought the lamb in his approach to God.’
With tears streaming down his cheeks, he invites,
‘Please join us now as we come to God in faith believing that this is the only way of salvation – The Lord asks for our fellowship, our friendship.’
He does not judge the reactions, but focuses his eyes only on the stones he picks up. The simple altar takes shape, carefully, reverently. Sticks are arranged.
The eldest son brings their finest lamb. Nokh’s specially selected knife cuts deep. Blood pours out. Fire leaps high. Heads are bowed. Hands are lifted up in praise to God.
Peace that comes from obedience affects the worshipping family. The littlest ones sense security and contentment among the elders who follow this strengthening relationship with God. All who remain share an evening of quietness, healing, and humility.
The aroma of roast meat dripping oils and amazing spices and sauces filters through the trees. Sounds of joy from children playing in the stream cause parents to remember family times of long ago.
No one said it to Enoch, but some of the family falter. They question why the old men make such an issue about which altar to follow. Doesn’t the festival feature an altar also?
Cousins look at each other with knowing eyes. Doubt about these things fills their minds like the smoke drifting toward them from the firepit.
‘What’s wrong with the new ways?’
Methuselah’s son said to a friend. A young woman echoed,
‘I love the Lord more when I can dance before Him!’
‘This old altar is so boring compared to what we do each month at the festival.’
Another adds.
In spite of this undercurrent that breaks his heart, Enoch’s faith grows day by day. Orna decides to stand with Nokh. She loves her children, and their decisions sadden her, but love for God wins her heart and mind.