The people of Enoch’s generation know a great deal about God. They have no excuse for rebellious wickedness. Their world knows the wisdom, power, and glory of God. Direct revelation gives them hope of future salvation.
Weeds and thistles threaten their well-tended gardens. However, the truth remains, they still live in a manageable world.
Weather patterns help. God had created one large land mass with no mountains. The seas are far from the cities and towns. Gentle winds bring no storms. Volcanoes lay buried deep below the surface of the earth.
At night, the stars shine with a brilliance one can only imagine.
By day, a canopy of mist circles the sky above. This covering protects and nurtures all life.
Temperatures never vary. Day and night, morning and evening all feel the same.
Shelter and clothing consists of simple coverings for decency and privacy. It is paradise! In his mind Enoch compares it with the true Paradise – the Garden of Eden, he learns more about it from his ancestors.
All of these travels together have broadened Orna and Enoch’s knowledge not only of the place in which they live but of God’s relationships with all people.
Few of their children, except Methuselah and many of his clan seem interested in hearing about these frequent journeys upstream to the west.
‘Could they not see that these trips provide great peace and comfort?’
As Orna and Enoch approach the sparse settlements of the far west, their excitement grows. They are really going over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house. The simplicity of life here is in perfect step with nature. Peace permeates the very air they breathe.
Grandfather Mahalalel is known for his spirit of contentment. Now Enoch prays that they may meet him on this trip.
‘Perhaps this step back in time will show what is important in the world. I pray this for both Orna and me.’
They sit under an ancient tamarisk tree, one that was only days older than the eldest among them, Enoch reflects,
‘I like it here.’
The hours pass quickly. Old stories capture their imaginations and put a sparkle in Orna’s eyes. A growing faith strengthens their resolve to know more about the Creator.
‘Will he reveal himself to us as he has to these older ones? Should we expect him to walk with us in this sin cursed world?’
They stay a little longer than originally planned and enjoy the best days of their lives.
The women are not afraid to interact with men. Stories draw Orna into a renewed desire to live as they live.
‘God created woman to fulfil a high and holy calling in the world.’
Day upon day there was a willingness to help Enoch and Orna understand creation, sin, and grace.
They meet Mahalalel and he says,
‘Sin has created more problems, even disasters than we will ever know. We are rebelling against God when we deny sin and its consequences. We are all sinners! Cut off not only from the Garden, but from God himself.’
This discussion awakens Nokh’s faith. He admits that most people in his city denied the existence of evil.
‘Is there any hope for sinners?’
Mahalalel answers,
‘It is difficult for us to know what life was like before Eve and then Adam disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit.’
Orna asks,
‘How many years ago did that happen?’
Enoch’s grandfather responds,
‘More than six hundred years ago! Eve took leadership into her own hands and disobeyed first.’
His sweet and submissive wife added,
‘We will never grasp why God held Adam’s sin as the more serious of the two.’
Their settled faith in God’s revealed word allows for unwavering belief.
‘Who are we to question God’s plan?’
God’s plan for Eve was different than his plan for her husband. When Adam sinned God said:
‘This is it! I warned you that if you should eat of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, you will die.’
So, death is the result of Adam’s sin.
For the first time Orna really believes this old account. Her desire to rule over her husband is the also a result of Adam and Eve’s sin. This truth helps her think through some of the struggles she faces every day of her life.
Hope revives when they hear of God’s grace. They have experienced so much of this grace it is easy to rejoice. They love hearing the stories of God’s steadfast love.
Their confidence in such love overshadows any fears Enoch and Orna have about the future. God is faithful! He freely offers redemption to everyone! Even the children!
Fears dissipate, trust grows, and a growing relationship with God overwhelms them. They bask in the shower of love shown in this community among the followers of God.
The Lord conquers. He wins their hearts. They will not turn back. From this day they walk together, hand in hand with God. In faith believing, though they cannot see him, they follow him, taking one step at a time.
Saying goodbye is more difficult than it has ever been before. The journey home would normally take six long and arduous days. They choose to go slowly. Orna says,
‘Let’s arrive home after the next monthly festival.’