Haran does not delay arranging a meeting. His accumulated wealth from the oils and ability to propagate the finest olive trees gives him a position of honor, with respect, in the city.
Many of the javelins, darts, and spears that he and Nokh had made were still proudly displayed as some of the finest ever made.
‘The meeting is arranged for the first week after the great festival.’
His cousin says, as they fellowship over a meal. Enoch asks if they could make a sacrifice together before the meeting. Haran has too many things to get done and wants to put it off until it is more convenient.
‘God please, I need your help! I’m afraid. I don’t know what to say to the officials. Your word is true. How can these men understand?’
Enoch prays earnestly. He wants the leaders to accept him and make changes because of what he has to say.
The festival consumes the attention of everyone. Children look forward to the dances and music. The food treats sweetened with honey delight young and old alike. A new drink made from the fruit of the vine gives people a feeling of euphoria. A plant-based mixture when chewed makes participants do wicked things with no consciousness of the outcome.
Enoch stays as far away from it as he can. The spirit of the festival forces everyone to participate. If one doesn’t fit in he is ostracized. Friendship, conversation, and privilege in the community are affected.
While waiting Enoch makes a good decision to go stay with his oldest son and family who now live on the northeast corner of the city. It takes half a day to walk to them far from the festival grounds in the city center.
Pride swells as he goes down to the Euphrates where the water has carved into the earth a canyon of sorts. He is not sure about this unusual descent.
On the far side he sees carefully tended groves with walls protecting families from wild things, from unwelcome strangers. Men stand ready to defend against intruders.
Nokh is welcomed with open arms and kisses all around. They are eager to hear news of the city and of his travels to the west.
The atmosphere of this place is much like Mattawn’s community but there is no stench of death here. This thrills Enoch.
People openly respect one another. Peace and love pour out for family and like-minded followers of God. Joyful activity in the walkways is different from the happiness of the festival preparations. It permeates all of life, comes from the spirit of godliness, and does not depend on circumstances.
Nicely designed, attractive shelters speak of faithful labor. Common areas welcome and provide flowing water, comfortable seating, and trees laden with fruit for all to enjoy.
The first evening with Methuselah and leading men of the neighborhood allows Enoch to hear their story. The women do not attend this night. High regard for their men providing all the blessing they need, gives them peace in the rising storms.
‘Welcome Enoch,’
A young man beckons.
‘Join us! Will you please give us an account of the departure as you see it developing in other parts of the world?’
A couple of years ago these families started calling the violence and ungodliness of the city under Ywek’s control “the departure”.
Enoch’s eyes focus on several simple but well-used altars in the plaza. Dried blood clings to the stones on each side. Everything else is clean. Sturdy tables hold tools for slaughter. Some have been made by Haran and Enoch.
He could only imagine the freedom of sharing the sacrifices in this place with women, men, children, and God himself. Celebratory feasting is not neglected here.
Enoch speaks,
‘The altar has become the place of separation. We are repeatedly instructed by God to bring what he wants. It is enough. Those who have departed think they must add their man-made works to approach the Lord.’
Methuselah’s son, now more than nine decades of age, asks.
‘’What are some things the others feel are necessary to add to our sacrifice?’
Grandfather answers with frequent pauses.
‘It’s complicated. They still believe in blood sacrifices. Truly they put me to shame. Their labor is long and hard. They have never-ending energy, giving of their wealth sacrificially, bringing their best to God.’
Enoch tells about bloodletting of animals and people, elaborate dances, elevation of human endeavor, athleticism of muscular bodies, darkness to hide sensuality.
Someone asks,
‘Are you convinced that your relationship with the Lord is dependent on grace alone? Is childlike obedience enough?’
Enoch responds,
‘The biggest difficulty continues to be that they will not accept any divergent views. They are now blaming the growth of violence and murder on us because we do not join their excesses.’
He continues after drinking a sweet syrup with a fragrance of lavender,
‘Gangs monitor the city. It becomes hard to live the old ways. I have tried to show grace and understanding to build good relationships to no avail.’
Enoch goes on to talk about the planned meeting that Haran has arranged for him.
‘I think Ywek himself will be there.’
The settlers stand with Enoch. He openly tells of his own struggles with death. He has faced more than enough of it.
Other issues are addressed. Compromise to build peace, to tear down walls. Wanting others to like him. Acceptance by all peoples. The draw of tolerance for power.
Discussion continues far into the night as he recounts his time with Adam. Ebele’s humility inspires them. Mattawn and his family stir up praise to the Lord.
Enoch tells of an arbor he is working on in sight of the gates of Eden.
God’s peace filters to each home. The women quietly assemble and with passion submit to God and one another. Little ones sleep well, sensing unity that covers them.
Prayers of worship and praise with melodic tones echo into the darkness of the world. Light has come. Love for God and one another win! God is always faithful. His new mercies greet the ascending dawn.