Moving day is hard. This one was worse than anyone could imagine. Roots that reach back hundreds of years are left behind. Twenty-six families take the few things they can salvage and begin a several-day journey toward places where Methuselah and his families have now settled far to the northeast of the city.
What had been a scattered settlement now looks like an established city. Walls are large to protect from marauding bands that roam the outer edges beyond Ywek’s kingdom.
Hoping for peace and rest from violence and mayhem they are weary of forced relocation.
Carts are not full for much of their things have been taken. The old family home, where Orna had lived most of her life, has been taken over by the enlightened citizens of the city.
The old javelin shop in the center of commerce has been gone for many years. The wonderful olive groves by the river now belong to the authorities. The olive presses are silent.
Word spreads throughout the land that the older ones in new settlements, north and east of the city, are dying. It is a fact, many die when they are only five or six hundred years of age.
The people of the festival spread rumors that a curse from God causes an early death for those who refuse to participate in the worship and celebration. Fear grips people. The festival attracts new followers who are afraid the curse will be on them.
Methuselah greets his father and the people who travel with him. Enoch facilitates some of these relocations.
‘We have peace about the death of our people. Our Lord God has shown us that those who believe in Him and die at younger ages are blessed.’
God has revealed this truth to Methuselah. He does not doubt.
‘The ones who die young will escape the judgment to come.’
Death is no longer something to be feared. It is part of God’s plan for his children.
‘We know we will be with him forever, which is far better.’
Nokh also has come to accept that death is not a permanent separation. His hope of life beyond the grave brings overcoming confidence with much peace, even joy.
He does not plan to settle down and live with Methuselah. The family has been encouraging him to go back to Mattawn and the relatively peaceful region close to the gates of Eden. Enoch loves thinking about Mattawn and also about his special place near the garden. They all agree that he has accomplished all that he can do for the present in the telling of God’s message.
Nokh hesitates. They pray, share meals, talk about God’s plan, grow in love for one another, and care for all who believe in the revealed truth. The ones who trust God build lasting friendships. Such memories strengthen in the face of hardship.
Enoch is in no hurry to leave. The best of times are when he and Haran walk together, as they had done so many years ago. They explore uncharted areas of the north. Just as Nokh continues to write down his messages from God, he maps out new territories.
This exploration is difficult and presents unknown dangers. The curse has taken over. These two love scraping their way cross-country through thickets of overgrown timber and bushy stretches so thick they walk on top of matted branches.
Low areas of brackish water add an odor of death that makes them uncomfortable. Wild shrieking animals, biting insects along with half-eaten carcasses with birds of prey circling above, cause the seasoned hikers to tread carefully.
Haran says,
‘I need no other proof that our world has fallen under the curse of sin. The separation from God’s perfect creation is astounding.’
Sitting at the campfire on the final night out, warm humid air closes in. They are healthy and comfortable. People of their world need only light drapes of clothing. Covering is important. It is what God has taught them. This casual attire, directed by custom from ancient times as given by God, still uses animal skins and finely woven, silky fabric.
The canopy of space draws back to display the full glory of a crescent moon surrounded by myriads and myriads of stars. As Nokh stretches out on a welcoming bed of soft grasses he remarks.
‘This is one of the reasons I cannot turn my back on God. Only the creator of such incredible glory is worthy of our obedient worship!’
Haran quickly responds.
‘I am guilty of wasting so many of my years on selfishness. Some of my children and grandchildren have become entangled in the world of sin, because of my sin.’
Silence descends. Even the animals pause. Haran asks.
‘Will God forgive me?’
A strange sound to their ears answers with an echoing reassurance. Crickets! They sing a happy chorus on humid evenings telling all who hear:
“There is a place of safety in this sinful world.’
‘Yes, sin has destroyed so much, but please let your body, spirit, and all that is within you, accept the goodness of God.’
Enoch is assuring himself in response to his cousin’s query.
‘Our lives, our business, our properties, the things we love so much, have all been affected. We do not deserve grace, but God is faithful. The blood of the lamb covers our sins.’
Haran says,
‘Thank you! I trust him. You are right.’
Days of marksmanship to hone their skills, nights of sharing dreams about the future, long walks, sometimes alone, with God, not always easy, memories, end. The two friends are content.
They now turn toward home and the needs of others. Haran rejoices.
‘I needed this time. Thank you for teaching me how to walk with God. I like hearing the history of creation and our first ancestor, Adam.’
He then encourages Nokh to walk toward the garden of God’s creation. Upstream. Right past the wickedness of the city.
‘Serve the old ones. Bless Ebele and Mattawn, their families, and the community as you have strengthened us.’
Enoch answers.
‘I will go. I desire to remain here with our families, but I promise to visit each year. Do you think that is possible?’
Haran.
‘Yes! We appreciate you. Your life has become a testimony to the Lord. Wherever you go you serve God by loving people and standing for truth. This strategic ministry is exactly what we need in the age in which we live. God has you here for a purpose.’
Nokh.
‘Moving away from each other, in separate directions, is always sad. Thank you! I love you, my cousin and brother in the Lord.’
Enoch’s steps are light as they journey back to town. His inner spirit rejoices. The body, still broken from the beating, begins to show its three hundred and forty-two years.
‘I do not understand why I hurt so badly. Many of my ancestors are hundreds of years older than me.’
Haran, now his best friend on earth, answers.
‘Remember the robberies, the beating, the difficult journeys—these things cannot separate us from God.’