Followers of God do not remember how they know some animals are clean, and others are not accepted at the altar as a sacrifice. Enoch obeys what he has been taught from his youth.
His family descends from Adam, through Grandfather Mahalalel. He never doubts that this is the word of God and that it is sufficient for his life and practice. Blood and internal parts belong to the Lord, while some of the best flesh is eaten by the family.
They do not present these sacrifices very often. Altars are special occasions when families gather to worship, enjoy forgiveness, and seek fellowship with God.
In contrast the monthly festivals of the larger community have grown out of altar practices but they include all kinds of rules and regulations. Sad to say, they gradually have become an excuse for excessive indulgence, gluttony, and sinful behavior.
Leaders of the central city have no doubt that their worship is what the Lord wants,
‘God has put into our hearts what is required to please him!’
Among the leading men there is a group that call themselves the Sons of God. The unholy practices, which appeal to the young women, come from these leaders.
Enoch and Orna grieve over the loss of daughters to what they know is sinful excess.
‘Can we really blame them?’
They often say,
‘The Sons of God are the most robust, virile, and handsome young men in the entire community? And they tell us that they too follow God!’
New excitement and entertainments add renewed pursuit of God among the youth from every family.
Orna observes,
‘Our altar practice has become routine and the youth are drawn into the festivals because they are fresh and exciting..’
One of Methuselah’s own children asks at a family gathering,
‘How do we know but that these new ways of worship are exactly what God desires?’
Older family members respond with doubt, most of the younger parents say,
‘If we keep our children coming to God, we must make it exciting for them.’
Others eagerly agree.
‘Can it be wrong when it feels so good?’
Enoch knows in his mind that this discussion will divide the family even further.
‘Could it pull Orna away from me?’
Orna continually asks Nokh, respectfully, to consider the children:
‘What harm could there be in knowing what everyone finds so exciting?’
The day they agree to attend the festival starts like every other day – filtered sunlight, warm breezes, green meadows, deep forests – always an unchanging, peaceful calm.
Baskets loaded with bountiful foods are carried by the strongest kids. Families join one another with stories, laughter, and good old-fashioned fun. Bonds of love strengthen family ties.
The journey is part of the joy as everyone heads in the direction of the festival field.
When they converge on the largest meadow, an amazing sight greets them – displays of every kind of goods, metal work, textiles, sculptures – anything that God-given creative minds can conceive is displayed. This truly excites Enoch’s imagination.
Banners proclaim,
‘We Are the Image of God!’
‘I may have been focusing too much on the past and missing all of this creativity right here in our own community.’
One of the younger granddaughters says,
‘Grandpa, this is what we have been telling you. I’m glad you listened and came with us.’
When the group comes upon a section of booths selling knives, arrows with bows, quivers, every size of dart, javelins that rival his own in beauty, strength and workmanship Enoch observes,
‘I am not envious. Our young people have grown in skill and are willing to work hard for the good of the community.’
Enoch’s joy and tolerant spirit surprises his family; it is sincere and fulfilling.
Later that afternoon, Orna and Enoch meet the families at the assembly site. Doubts arise about their involvement as they witness the Sons of God performing incredible feats of human agility.
Women provocatively encourage this naked performance of manly prowess and perverse aggression. Wives proudly claim ownership of winners; it is a competition. Honor and glory are bestowed vigorously.
Jealousy and even anger permeate the air as rivals assemble in gangs shouting indecent threats at one another. As evening shadows lengthen, the drums begin; the crowd surges toward them.
The ceremony begins with lots of brotherly bantering – but now the anger of the competition heightens. Children cling to their parents. Then everyone seems to forget the turmoil, and everyone joins enthusiastically in what comes next: A celebration before God at the altar.