Two Christian Experiences

SAT., FEB. 9, 1991, …
WALK TO EMMAUS, LAKESIDE

You, o son, are in the “midst” of two quite authentic Christian experiences. This one, the Walk to Emmaus, is the more central one of the moment, with a moving, tearful communion experience just past. No, you needn’t feel uncomfortable that you were not one of those in tears over sins to be removed. Your appeal was an honest one. You must not become too satisfied with life, even as I have told you that, with your blessings you have no basis for ever feeling sorry about any life events (more than momentarily). You can see that this “program” is moving toward more focus on grace and on personal commitment of self to the Lord Jesus. This is one compelling Christian experience.

The other is the one that is now a month past but on which you have the opportunity of speaking tomorrow evening. This was the Cuba experience, with Christians more dedicated to specific social actions and to social justice. This one dealt little with individual conversion and commitment (except to feel a bit sorry for ancient Rev. Labastida). And I do call this one also Christian.

The contrast is already rather striking. There are some others like you, here, who feel no necessity to raise their arms in praise and interject Hallelujahs and Amens, but those who do worship in these more demonstrative ways will feel less and less inhibition as the Walk continues. Don’t pull back. Participate as it feels right. Just don’t go beyond what you feel.

You realize that you are in the middle, judging these two modes of Christian dedication. You are symbolically lukewarm, yet I do not spew you out of My mouth. You are where you should be, I assure you. You are not turned off by the emotion and fire these most evangelical brethren, and yet you are not motivated to join them entirely. Be as positive as possible in your differences, continuing to affirm your positive faith in the way you are and live. Know that I do love those who come to My altar in tears, confessing sins and asking for changes that would be generally too miraculous. But you also are right that I do smile at the repetitions of these pleas and these stances, as I smile at being addressed by name umpteen times during a prayer. For I can love sincere servants even as they worship in somewhat silly ways. (Do I say the same to them? You think not.)

You also are not hotly committed to revolution and a socialist system as an absolute answer to perceived injustice. You can speak positively about the present Cuban situation, for it is in place, it is attempting, sincerely, to provide for the basic needs of all without undue hardship on any group. I say that it is appropriate for Christians to be an equal part of this revolutionary culture, for they match goals with teachings of Mine, as Jesus. Further, there seems to be no substitute system, that would provide better benefits without a significant increase in inequality.

As Jesus, I was not willing to lead a revolution, but I did encourage concern and help for the poor and the suffering. I also was not one to preach in high emotional tones or emphasize fire and brimstone, but I did want each to feel the Holy Spirit as it came to her or him. So I could be part of a revolutionary change, if it were motivated by a positive spirit, and I could be part of a personally confronting weekend like this, though I might not weep as profusely as some.

I, the Spirit, was in your midst in Cuba, and I am here with you now, as obvious by Teaching in both experiences. I call this a good experience for you, as it will be for Lenore. I repeat the early admonition of the leaders – don’t judge yet. Participate fully (including this time with Me) and feel the fellowship that seems to come naturally. Continue to review your notes, your pictures, and your tapes as a way of digesting the Cuba adventure. It was sufficient for you not to just forget it. I would like you to write something about it, even as I may have to be satisfied with a Spring Ruminations.