As part of an assignment, members of the group were encouraged to read John 3:16 every day throughout the coming week and to reflect on the passage in a variety of ways. I had often found myself so tired of the overuse of that particular passage that I was not looking forward to reading it five more times in the days ahead.

“How many times can I read the same thing over again and again and get something new out of it?” I wondered. I decided to let go of my bias, however, and participate in the assignment. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV). Okay, I read it again. Now what?

At that moment, I was surprised by God. God jumped in and broke through my hard heart. As I paid further attention, I discovered that this section of the gospel of John is amazing. It is full of life-changing words and images that should shake our world. In fact, they did shake my world. Following is what I wrote in my journal as I reflected on the truths from John 3:16.

God’s love couldn’t wait any longer. He had sent people, messages, notes, even his Spirit to connect with humans, but he couldn’t wait and watch any longer! Something had to be done. People just weren’t getting the message. God is God; the Lord is a God of love and hope. He can be relied on.

So God jumped in—he got dressed in his finest human costume and jumped in fully to this world. He did not rely on people, words, impressions, or miracles, but moved in love himself. He jumped in and gave himself fully—knowing that most would misunderstand and not get it; knowing that most would be so deep in shame and guilt that they would not understand the depth of his love. But this didn’t stop God! He jumped in and moved with a heart of love.

He knew that some would catch on; that some would believe and it would change their lives—change their very being, purpose, and makeup in this world. If they got it, then God could jump into them as well; love them fully and use them to express his love in real, tangible, normal, as well as powerful ways to others. They would have life—life that is full!

Maybe, like me, you have been tempted to take this amazing gift of love for granted. Perhaps today is a day when you can experience God in a new and powerful way by paying attention to the old story in a new way. Today may be a day when you are taught important truths by God who wants to jump into you with a deep and caring love that is beyond your understanding. Get ready to be surprised by God.

-by Steve Fawver. He is Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Newberg Friends Church (Oregon). He loves the outdoors, reading, and playing a fun board game called “Settlers of Catan.” He and his wife, Diane, have two children, Janna (10) and Isaac (3). They live in community with four other families.

Lectio - reading/listening
The art of lectio divina begins with cultivating the ability to listen deeply and gently, to hear “with the ear of our hearts.” In order to hear someone speaking softly, the discipline of silence must be employed. The practice of lectio divina, therefore, requires a quieting down in order to hear God's word. This kind of reading is very different from the speed reading which modern Christians apply to newspapers, books, and even to the Bible. Lectio is reverential listening; listening both in a spirit of silence and of awe; listening for the still, small voice of God.

Meditatio - meditation
The next step is to “ruminate” on the reading. The image of the ruminant animal quietly chewing its cud was used in antiquity as a symbol of the Christian pondering the word of God. Christians have an example in Mary as she “pondered in her heart” what she saw and heard of the Christ (Luke 2:19).

Oratio - prayer
The third step in lectio divina is prayer—both dialogue with God and consecration, the priestly offering to God of parts of ourselves that we have not previously believed God wants. Spiritual readers are touched and changed by the word of God.

Contemplatio - contemplation
The final step is simply to rest in the presence of the One who has spoken. Once again, believers enter into the practice of silence, the letting go of our own words; this time simply enjoying the experience of being in the presence of God.

For more information, check out www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html - the source of the above descriptions - or other related sources. Search on lectio divina or sacred reading.