Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
LECTIO DIVINA: ‘N BYBELSE MEDITASIEPRAKTYK

LECTIO DIVINA: ‘N BYBELSE MEDITASIEPRAKTYK

Ek het onlangs ‘n Christelike geestesgesondheidskonferensie bygewoon waarin een van die sprekers, Gary Oliver, ThM, PhD, die groep gelei het in ‘n vorm van Christelike meditasie genaamd Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina word letterlik vertaal as “goddelike lees” en is ‘n antieke Christelike praktyk wat al die pad terug gaan na Origen van Alexandrië in die derde eeu. Die bedoeling van die praktyk is om die Christen te help om die Skrif meer as blote feite of hoofkennis verder te internaliseer na ‘n diep ervaring, hartswaardering en praktiese lewe uit die dinge van God. Hierdie styl van meditasie is ontwerp om die gelowige in Christus te help om betrokke te raak by doelgerigte praktyke wat met God saamwerk vir die genesing van hul hele wese – gees, siel en liggaam.

By die konferensie het Dr. Oliver vir elke deelnemer ‘n uitdeelstuk gegee wat ‘n kort geskiedenis van Lectio Divina, ‘n paar instruksies en ‘n afskrif van Psalm 1:1-3 uit vier verskillende vertalings: King James, New Living Translation, The Message en The Remedy of the Lord in Song: The Psalms.

Ek het nie geweet dat Dr. Oliver gaan praat of dat hy die hele groep gaan lei in ‘n deurdagte, uurlange besinning van een van die psalms nie, veral nie een wat The Remedy geparafraseer het nie. Maar dit het net so gebeur dat Come and Reason Ministries gratis kopieë van The Remedy of the Lord in Song: The Psalms vir die deelnemers aangebied het, en baie deelnemers, wat van regoor die land gekom het, het een geneem. Baie het my persoonlik bedank vir die parafrase en my vertel hoeveel hulle geseën is deur die gebruik van The Remedy weergawe.

In die nadraai van daardie vergadering het ek besluit om Lectio Divina meer na te vors en dan hierdie metode van Christelike meditasie met jou te deel.

Lectio Divina het vier verskillende aksies of stappe:

  • Bybellees
  • Meditasie oor die gedeelte gelees, wat beteken om na te dink oor die betekenis daarvan
  • Gebed (gesprek met God) oor die gedeelte
  • Bepeins of ervaar die toepassing daarvan op die innerlike werking van ‘n mens se hart, houdings, motiewe en emosies – dit wil sê om in die Heilige Gees te bly en Hom te ervaar en die waarheid op die hart toe te pas.

‘n Paar belangrike punte oor Lectio Divina: Eerstens begin hierdie vorm van meditasie altyd met die geïnspireerde Woord van God. As ‘n mens die Skrif met ander geskrifte vervang, sal die meditasie dien om daardie geskrifte se idees in ‘n mens se wese te versterk eerder as God se Woord.

‘n Tweede punt is dat hierdie vorm van meditasie diep denke, nadenke, aktiewe denke en gemeenskap/gebed met God vereis. Dit is nie ‘n leegmaak van die gees nie, en dit is ook nie ‘n herhalende mantra nie. Die doel is om ons beperkte bewustheid, beide kognitief en ervaringsgewys, van ons kennis van God uit te brei, sodat ons God self kan ken net soos Jesus gebid het dat ons sou (Joh 17:3).

Soos ons met God omgaan, aktief met Hom verenig en sy metodes op ons lewens toepas, ervaar ons genesing, reiniging, ontspanning, vernuwing, herskepping, wat ook bekend staan as heiligmaking:

“Mag die God van vrede julle volkome aan Hom toewy. Ja, mag God julle so bewaar dat julle na gees, siel en liggaam volkome vlekkeloos sal wees wanneer ons Here Jesus Christus terugkom” (1 Thessalonicense 5:23 NLV11, beklemtoning myne).

God wil ons heilig, genees, heilig maak in gees, siel en liggaam.

Lectio Divina-meditasie betrek alle aspekte van ons wese. Ons betrek ons liggaam wanneer ons ontkoppel van die daaglikse aktiwiteite van die lewe, die digitale toestelle neersit en stil by God sit, dikwels in die natuur – die geur van die blomme inasem, die liedjies van die voëls hoor, die pragtige reënboog waardeer, die warmte van die sonskyn voel, deur die sagte briesie gestreel word. Ons ondervinding in die natuurlike wêreld wat God geskep het, stimuleer ons sintuie en draai ons gedagtes in ontsag en waardering na ons Skepper.

In so ‘n toestand van eerbied vestig ons ons aandag op die geskrewe woord, fokus op ‘n spesifieke gedeelte van die Skrif, en in daardie plek van natuurlike stilte mediteer ons diep oor die boodskap van God. Ons reik uit na God met ons hart, besin oor die betekenis en vra Hom vir groter insig, begrip en wysheid. Ons loof God vir sy voorsienigheid, teenwoordigheid, getrouheid en goedheid en vir die verbinding van die waarhede in die Skrif in ons gedagtes en vir die toepassing daarvan op ons lewe op daardie oomblik.

En dan stort ons ons toegeneentheid, liefde, waardering en aanbidding na God uit en nooi sy Gees uit om ons houdings, gevoelens en verlange skoon te maak en te reinig om al hoe meer verenig te wees met Syne sodat ons die vreugde, liefde en teenwoordigheid van God in ons diepste wese ervaar.

Ek het nog nie die term Lectio Divina gehoor voordat Dr. Oliver my daaraan voorgestel het nie. Maar terwyl ek bestudeer het wat hierdie metode van meditasie funksioneel doen, het ek besef dat die stappe daarvan die praktyke is wat ek gedurende my Christelike reis gedoen het, omdat ek ander Christelike skrywers gelees het wat hierdie einste dinge beskryf het sonder om daardie Latynse term te gebruik.

Die interessantste is dat ek gevind het dat een van die stigters van die Sewendedag Adventistekerk dieselfde praktyke voorgestaan het, ook sonder om ooit die term Lectio Divina te gebruik. Kyk na die volgende historiese aanhalings, met inagneming van die vier komponente van Lectio Divina: Bybellees, meditasie, gebed en bepeinsing.

Om bloot die woord te hoor of te lees, is nie genoeg nie. Hy wat begeer om voordeel te trek uit die Skrif, moet peins oor die waarheid wat aan hom voorgehou is. Deur ernstige aandag en biddende denke moet hy die betekenis van die woorde van waarheid leer en diep drink van die gees [bepeinsing] van die heilige kennisbron (Christ’s Object Lessons, 59, beklemtoning myne).

Dit sou vir ons heilsaam wees om elke dag ‘n uur aan die bepeinsing van die lewe van Christus te bestee. Ons moet dit punt vir punt neem en die verbeelding toelaat om elke toneel te begryp, veral die slottonele. As ons so oor sy groot opoffering vir ons peins, sal ons ‘n standvastiger vertroue in Hom kry, sal ons liefde opgewek word en sal ons in ‘n voller mate deur sy gees vervul word. As ons eindelik gered wil word, moet ons die les van boetvaardigheid en ootmoed aan die voet van die kruis leer (Die Koning van die eeue, bl 83, beklemtoning myne).

Ons lewe in die ernstigste tyd van die wêreld se geskiedenis. Die ewige lot van die aarde se miljoene sal eerlank beslis wees. Ons eie toekomstige welsyn, asook die saligheid van ander siele, hang af van die weg wat ons tans bewandel. Ons moet deur die Gees van waarheid gelei word. Elke navolger van Christus behoort ernstig te vra, “Here, wat wil U hê, moet ek doen?” Ons behoort ons te verootmoedig voor die Here, met vas en gebed, en baie oor sy woord te peins, veral die tonele van die oordeel. Ons behoort nou te soek om ons geestelike lewe te verdiep in die dinge van God – (Die Groot Stryd 678.2, beklemtoning myne).

“God verbied dat ek my sal roem, behalwe in die kruis van onse Here Jesus Christus, deur wie die wêreld vir my gekruisig is en ek vir die wêreld.” As Christus ons persoonlike Verlosser is, sal ons mediteer oor sy goedheid en barmhartigheid en liefde. Sy teenwoordigheid sal by die gelowige, biddende siel wees. As die gelowige ‘n intelligente kennis het van wat gebed beteken, sal hy nie net seisoene van gebed hê nie, en nadat hy in hierdie tye gebid het, dink dat sy plig gedoen is, maar hy sal deur ervaring verstaan wat die Skrif beteken wanneer dit sê: “Henog het met God gewandel.” Hy sal voortdurend sy gedagtes na God verhef hou, en gemeenskap met God sal meer en meer begeerte na God gee, en die verstand sal vergroot word deur die karakter van God te bepeins. So sal hy gevoed word deur die vlees en bloed van die Seun van God, wat verklaar dat hy die brood van die lewe is wat uit die hemel neergedaal het (Sabbatskoolwerker, 1 April 1895, par. 1, beklemtoning myne).

Ongeag wat jy dit noem, ek moedig jou aan om daagliks tyd te neem om afgesonder van hierdie besige wêreld te wees om tyd saam met God deur te bring, om sy Woord te lees, diep te mediteer oor die betekenis daarvan, met God daaroor te praat en die Heilige Gees in jou hart in te nooi om die waarhede tuis te bring na jou diepste ervaring.

 

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA