Enoch loves the travels that take him west, upstream toward his family who live closer to the ancient garden God named Eden. Excitement rises with every step.
A few of the families in the city give assurance that they will continue loving God and one another. Enoch enjoys freedom but wherever he goes he intentionally builds relationships with all who God puts in his path.
He learned from his time with Adam, on his former visits, the importance and value of friendship. It was not what Adam said, it was what Adam did not do. He lives in isolation.
How can we love our neighbor if we don’t know them? How can we know them if we don’t spend time together?
While walking Enoch thinks through the things he has learned from Adam.
‘Those who draw back into isolation are sad. I need growing relationships with my family and neighbors to enjoy the life God wants me to live.’
Relationships are messy. They are worth it.
‘And I can tell others the messages from God when I become their friend.’
For seasoned hikers, the journey is part of the fun. God has given Enoch a message and he is determined to dedicate the rest of his time doing this work God has entrusted to him.
Most people live to be well over eight hundred years of age before they die. Enoch is now approaching three hundred years since his birth. He still has an incredible amount of time left to do God’s will.
As violence increases it is dangerous to go alone to distant places. A good outcome for Enoch is that his family insists he not go alone on this journey. Someone must walk with him.
Wherever Enoch goes he faithfully tells God’s message with gentleness and respect. Friends agree that his actions support the message. When alone he tells it out loud to himself. If others go with Enoch they hear God’s word too.
Even though others poke fun at him behind his back, they respect him and desire to protect him.
Haran, after much prodding, comes with Enoch on this trip. The time together takes several more days than usual because they leisurely explore and enjoy the waters and surrounding forests. The two talk a lot too.
Some things they do not talk about. It still grieves Nokh that his cousin appears to have accepted the new ways of worshipping the Lord at the exciting city festivals.
Wisdom leads him to guard his lips. He knows the trouble that the tongue can stir up. It can be like a raging fire. Such a small member wields great power.
Nokh learns to pray continually. Haran, his best friend from years ago, always receives a mention in the prayers.
They go to Adam’s place and stay with him for one full week. Each of the seven days, who decided that each week should have seven days, Adam tells the facts as told to him by God about each of the seven days of creation.
His revived interest in God’s handiwork stirs him and he tells with heightened drama the wonders he was told by God in their walks together in the garden in the cool of the day.
The day for Enoch and Haran is always the same. Bright sun filtering through the mist which waters the earth and then as day advances the mist draws away to reveal the stars. The sun moves off to the vast waters and disappears over the sphere of the earth.
Adam is sure he walked with God in the late afternoon. He remembers the sunset-glow casting rosy tinted light on their path.
As Enoch and Haran leave Adam’s wonderful home which is situated to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding nature, Haran questions.
‘How old did Adam claim to be?’
Enoch has an answer.
‘He has carefully measured his days and marked the sun and the circle of the earth. This time span shows Adam is nine-hundred and seventeen cycles.’
Adam can describe God’s work in making time and space. Haran is intrigued with these thoughts.
‘God created light and water—the two things that make our world a safe place to live.’
Enoch agrees,
‘God created time. That is how we know how old we are.’
Haran says,
‘How old are you, Enoch?’
Enoch knows because of his time with Adam.
‘I am three-hundred and twenty-one.’
They are approaching Mattawn’s place and Haran agrees to rest a few days. It will lengthen their journey but Haran eagerly agrees.
He still expresses doubt about Adam’s behavior and attitude.
‘Why is Adam fearful and burdened with guilt if he knows God forgives sin?’
As he says this, he thinks without saying it,
‘At least our celebration of life at the monthly festival brings us joy, peace, and fulfills our duty to God.’
Enoch senses this doubt and says,
‘God gives rest to those who walk with Him.’
Haran is drawn into Mattawn’s family. They welcome him with fantastic food and lots of laughter. His inner spirit softens.
After staying several happy days with Mattawn, meeting Ebele’s extended clan, and hearing the old stories, Haran has a renewed respect for God and his word.
His joy puts a bounce in each step towards home. Enoch, in an opposite mood, labors with his steps. He wonders,
‘What is happening in Mattawn and Ebele’s community?’
Young and old alike faithfully bring their sacrifices and vows to the Lord at the altar. They come with genuine passions of love for God and one another.
But disease and death increase among them!
‘Why is God judging them when the ungodly live long happy lives?’