Memory

Memory is an awesome thing.  I memorized a couple of chapters of Scripture years ago, and they still come to mind when I need them.  Because I memorized them, they can teach me, reproof me, correct me, and instruct me still today without needing a Bible at hand.

John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace was standing on the deck of his slave ship when he remembered a verse from childhood.  He turned his life over to Christ because of that one verse.

When my children were young, I was working on a memory verse collection.  We were driving to church, and they asked if they could memorize some too.  Together we memorized Proverbs 7:1, “My son keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.”  My children are in their 40s now.  Last year my son sent me a Fathers’ Day card.  At the bottom, he wrote Proverbs 7:1.  How wonderful that my son still remembers that verse and our time together memorizing it.  

In the very early church, the congregation engaged in responsive reading.  The leader would recite a portion of Scripture and the congregation would recite the next portion from memory.  In this way, the illiterate people in the congregation and those who could not afford the very expensive scrolls of Scripture learned important passages for Christian living and for understanding teachings of the faith.

Before new converts could be baptized, they would need to study the faith for up to three years.  They would then be tested and often would be required to recite a creed or doxology they had memorized before the congregation to show they knew what they believed.  These creeds are still around.  Most of us are familiar with the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed, but there are others. These would still be beneficial to memorize today.

Much of what Jesus taught was recorded in a form that was easily memorized so it could be kept close to the hearts of those hearing it.  The Beatitudes, for instance, are laid out like this. 

Then there are doxologies like “Praise God for Whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below. . . .”  But, did you know there are doxologies in the Bible, portions of Scripture which were meant to be memorized and/or presented publicly to praise God?  Phil. 2:5-11 is one.

At the end of Jude, there’s another: “Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.  To God our Savior Who alone is wise be glory and majesty, dominion and power both now and forever.  Amen.”

There are dozens of doxologies and benedictions in Scripture.  Google them for yourself. Deut. 6:22-26 is a well-known benediction: “The Lord bless  you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  These were there for instruction and for comfort, for reproof and for correction.  They were also memorized by the congregation.

Memorizing Scripture is a good practice.  David said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”  Memorizing Scripture also helps us to resist sin.  So, to put God’s word into your heart and mind helps us to stand firmly against the devil as we have the Sword of the Spirit sharp and shiny and ready for battle.

God’s Word is both an offensive and defensive weapon.  Even if we don’t have the written Word of God in our hands, If we carry it in our hearts and minds, we are prepared . . . ready for battle.

Memorization has many uses from creeds, doxologies (praises) and benedictions, to defenses and personal instruction.  It is a powerful tool to help us stay on the straight and narrow, to draw us closer to our Lord, and to better understand what He has for us.

Many say they can’t memorize Scripture.  If you’re one, I suggest you start with John 11:35: “Jesus Wept” or 1 Thess. 5:16, “Rejoice always.”  You’ll begin on a path that will bless you the rest of your life.

This past week I learned that God had healed a couple of friends of mine and has put it on my heart to pray for another who has an ailing heart.  While preparing this blog, I came across the doxology in Romans 11:33-36.  I think I’m going to memorize it and keep it close.  I want to remember what He has done and can do, and I want to better praise Him for it.

Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
³³  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
³⁴  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
³⁵  “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
³⁶  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.