Enoch does not have a plan on how he will live for God’s glory, as he heads to the city. He has followed the call and knows he will continue the way he has been living for over two hundred years.
The city is now within a long day’s journey. He recalls the moment Orna gave birth to their firstborn child, Methuselah, the man of the spear. His son is now well over two hundred years old.
The wisdom he received from Adam integrates seamlessly with knowledge gained from God by special revelation. He has written and rewritten snippets of truth during the last few years. These words are now tied together in a bundle that he carries with him wherever he travels. He has become a travelling man. In stark contrast the majority of people stay within a few communities of their birthplace.
It is his treasure. This account of life from deep within his inner self has moved out through his being to form a haphazard collection of precepts from his experience with God and others. There are few rules. Faith is a priority.
God had said they were to bring the sacrifice when approaching him. He wrote,
‘You may come boldly if you listen to God’s instructions. Those who trust God know that obedience finds favor and good understanding with God and people.’
Nokh believes in God’s forgiveness. He is not so positive about forgiveness from other persons. He knows controlling other adults is wrong. He places other people in God’s hands.
Guilt often plagues him as it did Adam. They do not pretend to be as holy as God. In fact, Nokh struggles with the concept of holiness.
‘What does it really mean?’
Temptations often win the upper hand in his mind. Peace with God is a promise to which he clings. His message is consistent. It does not change.
As he approaches the edge of his former world, fear grips him. He has not returned since long before Adam died. Death still holds menacing horrors.
Life among his family and friends gives little promise of godliness. Lamech has been born to Methuselah. Enoch fears the path he will choose. Will he live a godly life or follow the way of the city.
Grandparents take pride in the accomplishments of their descendants.
Each little flower along the pathway, ancient trees standing strong, spears fashioned by kids, food harvested, remind him of his youth.
Orna still fills his mind. She is still the love of this earth for him. He does say,
‘I love God more than anything else.’
Silent desires flare. Pride is a concern. He honestly attempts, sometimes not too successfully, to avoid judgment of others, especially their motives.
But the big concern is the world in which he lives. Why has God’s beautiful creation taken such an ugly turn? What can one man do to make a difference in this sin-cursed world?
He asks,
‘Can I help others when I struggle to keep myself in shape?’
Satan had revealed himself as a snake. The sinister attack of serpents, some of them throwing fiery darts into vulnerable flesh, had long ago been accepted as an accurate description of the devilish attack on God-followers.
Enoch knows he is not exempt from temptation and recalls how Adam reluctantly describes Eve’s temptation. God blamed her not Satan. Nokh does not cast blame on others but takes responsibility for his own sin. He alone bears the weight of his sinfulness.
A group of women approach and recognize him as the walker from days of long ago. They chide,
‘It was his pride that did him in.’
One shouts out,
‘Even his own children know how his arrogance has divided the family.
Another of the group whispers loud enough for all to hear,
‘He thinks he is always right!’
Others agree,
‘We’re sick and tired of these people who put themselves above us as if we are trash under their feet.’
Children come running alongside throwing stones. No one stops them.
Enoch has been gone for many cycles of the moon. Bitter roots dig deep in their hearts. The adults have passed this resentment to the next generation.
God has shown Nokh mercy and truth. He hangs on to the promise. As the Lord has been good to him, he will demonstrate the same mercy to others.
Loving and gentle mercy, looking out for the good of others becomes the preferred response if Enoch settles successfully into this changing world. He preaches God’s truth.
‘God judges all sin.’
He has learned the severe mercy of the Lord.