Far to the west, Adam wakes the very next morning with a refreshing peace that surprisingly invigorates him. He generally struggles with sadness.
As he reflects on God’s steadfast love, his mind wanders to the visit he had with Enoch some time ago. He had asked the small group that had gathered for the morning meal to help him remember.
It had been a simple one with roasted grains, thickened cream, and a flavorful dish made up of a variety of amazing, luscious fruits.
‘Help me remember.’
He said with his typical tone of sadness. Adam continued,
‘Mahalalel’s grandson flourishes unlike his son Jared.’
Many years ago Mahalalel had mentioned his son Jared to Adam.
‘We named our firstborn son Jared which means, flower, but now we know that he is fading like a flower.’
Yes, they all had agreed that Adam’s memory was correct.
Jared and his wife started their family very well by naming their firstborn son, Enoch, which to them meant, dedicated to God. From the very beginning the neighbors gave good reports about Enoch.
When the meal ended Adam slips away to be alone. Memories now flood his mind.
Each day in the garden, Adam and his wife walked with God. They loved it – to walk and talk with the Lord. God told them about himself. They were open and transparent. They openly shared what they were doing, things they were thinking, dreams for the future.
This relationship continually grew stronger. They had a simple childlike innocence.
Then, the terrible day came. It was quite a long time after creation week. Shame moved in like a dark, foreboding cloud. Both realized they had destroyed the wonderful relationship. It affected their relationship with one another. The fellowship with God which they had enjoyed so much was gone.
Now Adam often takes long walks when these memories control his mind. However, in recent years the recalling has become less frequent. In their place he feels a heaviness that results in discouragement and sadness.
Those who try to help him counsel carefully, for he is the oldest man on earth and deserves respect,
‘Adam face up to what you have done. Has God not supplied hope for present blessing and future salvation? Leave the things that are behind and press toward the high calling of God.’
Adam is very human. Difficulty accepting his sinful humanness becomes a major problem. His inner fight results in controlling thoughts. They prey on his mind like a beast crouching at his door.
‘What if we had done it differently?’
He never was able to understand why Eve gave in first.
‘Will I ever be able to move on and forget the dreadful memories of our disobedience to God?’
God had told them the path to healing. They needed to listen. God asked them to believe – to have faith in his revealed word. Forgiveness and peace would only be found at the altar.
The altar is the way to God. This is the place of forgiveness, peace, and worship. God requires the blood.
Adam still approaches by way of the altar, but too often it is a ritual. His heart is not in it.
Today Adam directs his path toward the entrance to the Garden of Eden.
‘I will walk to God. I will go! It has been too long since I have dared approach the gate of the Garden.’
He walks as we all walk, one step at a time. The entrance still frightens him. Cherubim guard the way. Their flaming swords are not for ornament. Anyone coming near will die.
Greater fear takes hold when he thinks of the holiness of God. The Cherubim are there to guard God’s holiness. No person can approach God by works.
Keeping his distance, in fact a long way off, he sits among the lilies of the field and stares past the angelic beings longing to meet with God once again.
Years ago he approached God’s holiness. He honored the Lord God in his heart. Sin destroyed that fellowship.
Today, God chooses to give no revelation of himself. God was silent. Adam’s guilt overwhelms him.
‘Will I ever learn to just do what God has asked me to do?’
God has revealed his will. There is no need for additional revelation.,
‘The lamb is enough. Make a simple altar – no steps, no mortar, no carvings. Do not add to my word. Come in faith and I will give you rest.’
God designed all families of the world to desire fellowship with one another and with a Creator greater than themselves. Enoch and his family along with Haran and the larger family circle had always enjoyed wonderful fellowship. Now times together have become rare.
God does not need fellowship – he requested it. Humans need it. There is a God-shaped vacuum in every person’s heart. Success, possessions, money, fame, or sensual pleasures will never satisfy.
But fellowship with God must be approached in God’s way. Adam agrees,
‘God’s way is the only way.’
He stands and walks toward home.
Adam’s friends rejoice to see that he begins each day with a walk. They delight to hear him talk of stars, of water, and trees. He reminds them,
‘These are the things that have not changed. They are still the same from the days of creation.’
That is why people sense the presence of God when surrounded by towering trees, waters in any form, or the vastness of a starry sky.
Negative thoughts of paradise lost will eventually destroy Adam if he allows them to flourish. Instead he now sings a new song:
‘My hope in God alone,
To know his will I come.
Actions speak louder than words.
Today I will obey.’