Yes, I know that this entry isn’t dealing with the next of our preferred values (Christ as Centre), but almost immediately after posting the last entry, I had some additional thoughts to share. And then Don stirred more thoughts with his sermon on Sunday (visit the church website and have a listen). He had some interesting things to say about not simply reading scripture, but truly hearing it.
I want to invite us to memorize scripture. Yes, it will take time. No, it won’t always be easy. Yes, anyone can do it (just ask my children). Many of us have several verses memorized, often from when we were younger. But, I’d like us to think bigger picture than that, particularly as adults. What would it take for you to commit to memorizing an entire chapter of scripture? Do I have any takers to join me on this venture? (It’s always easier doing this with others.)
Last fall, I heard someone recite the entire book of Jude (it’s one chapter, in case you’re wondering). Scripture came alive as he recited it…the emotions, the tone, the emphases were somehow heightened because he wasn’t simply reading…and, perhaps some of it was the fact that I was listening more intently knowing that he had put the time and effort into memorizing the text.
We memorize a lot of things…hockey statistics, lyrics to songs, phone numbers and birthdays, so why not add to that scripture? “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Thanks to all of you who weighed in with a comment on the Facebook status. I’ll be in contact with those who indicated an interest in participating. Feel free to share your stories and suggestions…I’ll share one: while at college, in order to get out of the final exam, students were given the option of memorizing the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Lots of students took the prof up on that offer!
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