Haran insists that Nokh take a supply of darts, arrows, and javelins on his journey west. Several of their young men accompany him to carry the load.
Ywek and his cabinet of leaders have other plans. Those who know of Enoch’s venture are sent to ambush and rob Enoch’s party. No one in the city ever accepts responsibility for the thievery.
The thieves return to the city on several different routes. Enoch is allowed to continue his journey alone. His helpers scatter.
He asks himself.
‘Did some of our young men who came to help me know about the ambush?’
The increase of violence and wicked behavior of the ungodly will be judged by God-the Holy One.
Haran receives word, as the men return to the city, that his cousin Enoch is safe. He rests in God’s grace.
God’s faithfulness is new every morning. Grace permeates all of life like newly pressed oil running down into the basins, for those who walk with God. Terrible things still happen to good people. The ungodly definitely flourish. God is always faithful.
There is no need to work on javelins and arrows anymore. Success in the olive trees attracts people. Prosperity, when shared generously, blesses all those who come to worship with the growing family at the river.
Worship in the old way continues. They think God is pleased with their form of sacrifice. They enjoy power, prestige, and wealth. Is this new danger threatening their faith in God?
Enoch’s life is gradually restored by the healing waters from Eden. One late evening as he soaks in a luxurious pool of gently massaging, warmer than usual water, he reflects,
‘God! Thank you for saving me every time. I know you never leave me. Even though I cannot see you, I believe you! You are my family, my best friend.’
His faith grows as his suffering increases. Suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character and character hope. Hope does not put to shame because God’s love is poured into his inner being.
Joy replaces doubt. Faithfulness, kindness, and gentleness are his garments.
The next day he puts together another altar. This one all by himself. Instead of a lamb he presents a meaty bird to the Lord. The blood spills down to the earth.
God has told him that his sins are forgiven when he brings the sacrifice. Those who walk with God know that much of their suffering is the result of their own evil thoughts and deeds.
At times he wonders why it has to be this way. God gives him peace in his spirit that this is the way. Enoch is thankful.
There have been many tears. Enoch knows that God cares and keeps track of each one. His time is in God’s hands. He asks,
‘Do you keep track of each sin I commit?’
God tells him,
‘No I do not. The blood of the sacrifice removes all unrighteousness.’
This assurance from the Lord brings wonderful peace. God directs. Nokh listens.
‘Stay in this place and I will show you great and mighty things.’
Many years later Enoch looks back on this time of quietness as one of the best of his life. There is a peace with God that forgiven sinners know.
His body grows stronger. Food tastes better. Laughter comes easily. Sadness still comes, but there is no regret, bitterness, or blame.
Just as legs get strong with use, Nokh’s relationship with God spirals upward day by day.
Even his breath brings uplifting words exchanging selfishness for God’s blessing. This brings favor in the sight of God and people.
He loves this walk with God!
His life becomes a relationship. There are no required rituals. Even habits are the result of love, not the source of his life. He still understands life is difficult. Like the blood of the altar, relationships are messy. They are necessary and definitely worth all the trouble.
At times it is like he is swimming upstream with a heavy pack on his shoulders. God gives him strength for each stroke. He continues in faith.
Change in his family, his body, or in the world around him does not disrupt his strengthening relationship with God himself.
Sometimes he just floats downstream. God’s hand holds him up like the buoyancy of water in his submission to God’s revealed will.
God assures,
‘Your relationship with me does not depend on circumstances. My walk with you is a spiritual reality! I have chosen you!’
Enoch responds,
‘God, I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with my mind and all my strength.’
This faithfulness to God stretches from morning mist to midday warmth until the curtain pulls back to reveal nighttime skies.
Enoch walks with God.
He wonders,
‘Is there more? Could I walk to the source of these waters?’
The river beckons but does not answer.
God does.
‘Why don’t you try and see where it leads you.’
One last sleep with Mattawn and the people of his neighborhood with its welcome release of the cares of the day. Another goodbye to family and friends. Moments together in corporate worship at an altar, then with this solid statement of faith, Nokh lifts his pack and steps out to wherever the Lord may lead him.