Zen Presbyterian

WED., MAR. 21, 1984, 5:46 AM
FARM, STUDY

Well, o son, you certainly did resist this theme for a considerable time… but I was unwilling to give you… or let you select… another, so, with experience, you accepted this. It is a fascinating idea, you must admit… and, also, it challenges the idea that you are making these Teachings up out of your own head. So much for introduction. Hear Me, as the unexpected snow falls.

I have put these two words together to symbolize the concept that understanding and worship of Me can take many forms, and though I and humans have been here in the earth “a long time” the ways of seeing, hearing, and approaching Me have not been exhausted. There is no formal group of Zen Presbyterians, so there is no reality against which to check these observations. In one important sense, I’m just having fun. Accept it in this spirit.

A Zen Presbyterian would be comfortable with the logical incongruity of being called and predestined and having free will and self-direction. The Presbyterian should have some strong sense that I do call persons to specific service, that I take the initiative, and that this was “set up” before the specific events of a life had occurred, and therefore is not dependent upon the person’s actions or apparent dedication. He takes seriously the Scripture, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” This Presbyterian should also have some acceptance of the idea that I do not do this with every present human being, and therefore there is, in the earth, an “elect” who have been called… in and amidst those who have not… even some whose lives are purer and whose dedication to Me is greater and more obvious.

At the same time he accepts the Scripture that says “I stand at the door and knock” and to anyone who opens that door He will come in. Anyone. It is unfair of God to have an elect. We are all equal in God’s sight. Jesus Christ lived, bled, died, and was resurrected for ALL of us. He waits for our acceptance… right?

So, you see, it takes a good Zen Presbyterian to say Yes to both of these. How, logically, can God be open to all equally and yet have an elect for which there are especial concerns, even as they do not seek Me? The Zen Presbyterian can accept Me in many ways, and is not bound by a Western either/or perspective… though he may use it comfortably at times and recognize its value.

This composite that I am creating can appreciate liturgical worship and have a feeling that I am pleased when the worship service is planned and predictable, “decently and in order.” Then what about a service that gets “messed up” or something spontaneous, like the Saints’ testimony meetings. The Lord enjoys these, too, even as they have none of the qualities of the other desired experience.

The Zen Presbyterian accepts the Holy Bible as the only guide to faith and life… but also is guided by the Holy Spirit in ways not directly addressed by the Scriptures. He accepts the Great Commandment to love and yet knows that love cannot be commanded. He knows that love can produce some situations that could be called undesirable by other Christian standards… and certainly would not be the basis for a strong foreign policy as a nation.