The Message: Solo Devotional

This semester, our Small Group is going through the Message: Solo Devotional written and edited by Eugene Peterson. The Solo contains paraphrased portions of Scripture (while noting expanded passages in the Bible) followed by a page of application tools that encourage the reader to read, think, pray and live.

Somewhat surprisingly, I've found the application section has helped me interact with Scripture in ways I haven't previously. When I read the Bible I tend to read it as "these things happened", as if I'm looking in on a scene. Being a student of history, I often read for facts and information. The Solo has helped me "experience" Scripture.

The application section for each day encourages the reader to place himself in the text for the day:
From Day 10 and a text from Matthew 21 when Jesus throws the money changers out of the Temple:
"Imagine you are there when Jesus comes in the temple and cleanses it.  Now let the blind and crippled come into your view. Watch Jesus healing them. Listen to the voices of the children as they play and shout "Hosanna"." What's your reaction to them? To Jesus' interaction with the disabled? To the indignation of the religious leaders? (Include not only your mental reaction but your physical reaction too, if any)."

To place myself in the scene as one of the disciples; to imagine I am a bystander watching Jesus heal a leper; to be "in" the Scripture, has been a good experience for me and all the guys in our group.