Luke 19
Lectio Divina {Divine Reading} Read. Reflect. Respond. Rest.
Read
I found myself re-reading the story in verses 19-27, what is sometimes called “the parable of the talents”. I especially was drawn to verse 26, where Jesus clarifies the meaning of the story: “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.”
Reflect
I wondered what that looks like in my own life. I would say I like to play it safe. Risk is uncomfortable for me. It’s scary. But risking my life and getting more than I ever dreamed of? What could that possibly be? I began to reflect on times when I’ve risked my life. And by my life, I don’t mean my physical life. My life = my ego. Given up control of what I think will make me look like I have it all together. Or doing things on my own. Or surrendering my judgements. Or my self-righteousness. And then taken what Jesus has given to me, and invested it with him and received a return on it. More life, better life. Grace, love, forgiveness, freedom. And the times when I have not risked my life, but held tightly to my own false sense of security, I will have missed out. A burden begins to form and I begin to believe lies about myself. And so I start to lose what I had to start with.
Respond
So who is Jesus for me in this story? What does he want me to know today? When I access my memories of times when I have risked my life, I believe I have gotten more than I would have dreamed of. Each time I have been afraid that there might be nothing for me, or worse, condemnation. Each time I have been surprised that Jesus has not laid anything heavy or ill-fitting on me, but rather met me and lavished his love on me.
Rest
I’m brought back to a verse that has been a resting place for me for some time now. It’s wonderful how often it emerges as I do Lectio Divina in various parts of the Bible. So again I find rest in Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you haw to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”