Infinitum Lent JourneySample

Today we continue to consider Jesus & Generosity in the context of Lent.

We will spend our time engaging in ‘divine reading’ (Lectio Divina). This is our Infinitum take on the old discipline of ‘divine reading.’ Remember, we are gazing through the lenses of Jesus & Generosity.

First Movement: Peruse. Peruse means ’read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way.’ Before you start, ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart for this exercise and then read slowly, curiously, and aggressively.

Here’s our text (John 12:20-36 NLT):

“Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”

35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.”

Second Movement: Weigh. Here are contextual synonyms: consider · contemplate · think about · give thought to · entertain the idea of · deliberate about · turn over in one’s mind · mull over · reflect on · ruminate about · muse on · assess · appraise. Don’t rush this movement.

Third Movement: Ask. Ask God to confirm or clarify bits you’ve been chewing on and to enlighten you on things you missed that he has for you. In this movement, you might profitably ask about lessons and tips God has from this reading for you in the realm of surrender, generosity, and mission.

Fourth Movement: Muse. Muse – ‘be absorbed in thought… gaze thoughtfully at’ – is a verb synonym of the Latin word ‘contempatio.’ From Google, “The word contemplation is derived from the Latin word ‘contemplatio,’ ultimately from the Latin word ‘templum,’ a piece of ground consecrated for the taking of auspices, or a building for worship.” So, in a sense, we are to recognize that we are on holy ground in this exercise (note further that ‘auspices’ means ’a divine or prophetic token’).

Fifth Movement: Activate. Apply what you have picked up (this might take the rest of the day… or the rest of your life).