Two men linger at a javelin shop just as dawn awakes. With united minds and purpose, much like days of long ago, they embrace and approach the throne of grace. They pray. It is the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man.
Nokh had detected a radical change when he returned to the city. Cousin Haran was eager to hear everything about his relatives and their life of faithfulness to God. He said it gave him hope. He had suggested they meet at this shop before the meeting.
Haran retells all that happened at the last great festival when Enoch was visiting Methuselah. The sons of God came out boasting of their connection with the gangs. Ywek embraced them and their ungodly ways. Haran thinks they will be given a place of prominence at the meeting.
Enoch asks,
‘Who are these men? Where do they come from?’
Haran says,
‘No one knows for sure. Some people say they are angels from God. The sons certainly use the rumors to elevate themselves above everyone else.’
Enoch.
‘What do you think?’
Haran.
‘They are men who practiced the truth, continually growing in grace, honoring their heritage as sons of Adam, but pride caused them to stumble.’
One of our family heard them announce publicly.
‘Of course, everyone should follow us- we are giants among you because of God’s blessing. God enlightens us!’
And thousands follow them. Their physical presence with perfectly formed, muscular bodies, eyes that look right into your inner being, contagiously happy voices, and intellectual superiority, puts others to shame, attracting young and old alike.
Haran adds,
‘The older ones love that the youth are willing to follow such religious men.’
A few wonder if this devotion is beneficial for the youth. Things are worse than Nokh imagines.
Enforcers gradually take matters into their own hands. These men police activities, punish critics, steal property, and reward followers. Those who speak out against them are harassed. The general population flaunts unthinkable immorality in the public square.
Enoch confesses,
‘I need to trust God. What is the good of worrying in my prayers?
There is a true oneness with his cousin. They are encouraging one another. Enoch lifts his voice in worship.
‘Thank you, God!’
Today is the very day Enoch, the man who walks with God, is to approach the leaders who control the city.
Fear grips his whole being. Love for God, family, friends, and enemies gives him the courage to walk toward the city center with confidence and hope that God will do the work. He is just a messenger.
The day passes.
Night comes quickly. It is one of those skies in the dark of the moon. A thousand points of light pierce the darkness but seem so far away.
Nokh and Haran share a deep shadow of death.
‘I was surprised when Ywek came in with his attendants.’
Haran’s raspy voice whispers through swollen lips.
‘You would think he is almighty God the way he struts and takes charge of the whole meeting.’
Nokh speaks from his well-padded bed close to the floor.
‘I did what the Lord had asked me to do.’
Both agree!
‘Their blood is not on our hands.’
They had defended themselves with great strength and clever maneuvering, but it did not last long. Jeers threats and obscenities had drowned out much of Enoch’s message. The sons of God were the most hateful. It appeared as if Satan himself possessed them.
Nokh speaks,
‘Do you hurt as bad as I do?’
They had landed some powerful blows in their defense.
Family members bathe their wounds. Blasphemies had been horrible, but the beatings have brought them to the dark shadow of death.
Enoch struggles to speak. His windpipe is damaged. Ywek’s gang used tremendous strength strangling him.
The hand of God delivered them. The unruly mob dispersed. There is no natural explanation.
‘Thank you, Haran, for standing with me. You could have escaped if you had chosen to run!’
Haran answers as he drifts into a fitful sleep.
‘I have decided to worship the God of our fathers. Thank you, my friend, for being patient with me.’
The two embrace the silence, sleeping with inner peace even though their bodies torment them.