Our pastor began a new sermon series a couple of weeks ago on the book of Isaiah. In his first message he exhorted every member of our church to memorize (with the goal of being able to recite aloud) Isaiah 52:13-53:12. He’s pretty doggone serious about it. And I’m glad he is.
When I was a new believer, I committed Paul’s prayers in Ephesians 1 and Ephesians 3 to memory. I have to admit, to my shame, that those are the only extended passages of Scripture that I’ve ever memorized, even though I’ve read and studied the Bible for years. It’s about time I did something to correct that.
It’s just too bad I’ve waited so long. My mind doesn’t work nearly as well as it did 30+ years ago, when I memorized Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians. But I still intend to take my pastor’s exhortation to heart. You can pray for me if you’d like. I’m sure I’ll need it.
I realized earlier today that there’s an interesting connection between this challenge from our current pastor and the church where our former pastor, Tom Geers, is now a member. When brother Tom retired, he moved to Durham, NC, to be near his children and grandchildren. He joined First Baptist Church, Durham, where Andy Davis is the pastor.
Andy Davis is also serious about memorizing Scripture. And he’s serious about helping other people do the same. He’s written the most complete guide to extended Scripture memorization I’ve ever seen. According to our former pastor, Andy’s already memorized almost all of the New Testament using the method he devised and describes in An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture.
One final thought before I go. Some of you have seen the videos of Ryan Ferguson reciting several chapters of the Bible from memory. Maybe someday you’ll see someone from our church on YouTube giving just such a dramatic recitation of this passage from Isaiah! (Or maybe not.)
Barry Wallace
theoparadox
pijohnson
October 20, 2008 at 10:38 pm |
Hmm, it would be great to memorize Scripture but it would even be much much better if we do not just memorize, we also apply.
I was told to familiarize, not necessarily memorize, and the emphasis is always on the application of what I learn from Scriptures in my personal life.
Well, I guess the bottom line is the intention for memorizing Scripture. Good luck and eat lots of oysters, it helps the memory function better!
October 20, 2008 at 11:14 pm |
The Servant Songs of Isaiah is a great passage, you will have my prayers for success.
I find it harder to do anything with my brain than I did 30 years ago!
I see it in reading retention and comprehension, memorization and learning new things. A great place to be as a new seminary student!
But God is good. He will honor your effort to bring glory to His name.
October 21, 2008 at 7:45 am |
I was chided by my husband for saying “Good luck”, and I just had to come back and take it back… I should have said, God bless you and I will pray for you. Again, eat oysters, helps improve the memory
.
October 21, 2008 at 8:01 am |
Zhey,
Now I know my problem–I’m not eating enough oysters!! As for memorization, familiarization, and application, I would say they’re all equally essential. Let’s not neglect any of them.
Andy,
Thanks for your prayers, brother, and your friendship.
October 21, 2008 at 8:51 am |
So YOU were one of the ones grumbling on the way out that you couldn’t do it!!!
(just kidding, of course)
Nothing like being married to the pastor–he keeps asking me if I have any of the passage memorized yet. I have yet to begin, so I have to use my “feel sorry for your little wife” face as much as possible, which he is not buying.
October 21, 2008 at 11:11 am |
Dude! You are not an old man. Change that title!
October 21, 2008 at 1:59 pm |
David,
53 = over half a century = old. The truth hurts.
glenna,
You have my sympathy.
October 21, 2008 at 3:16 pm |
I can’t even get more then the first line and if I got more than a day without looking at it I can’t even remember it. I keep wanting to start it, Behold my good and faithful servant then it throws me off but if I can remember behold, my servant shall act wisely then I can get the hold first verse
–matt
October 21, 2008 at 5:38 pm |
I’ve been using the ESV audio feed to memorize. I think this is the right link…
http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/share/rss2.0/memory/truth/
Paste that link into iTunes under advanced, subscribe to podcast. I listen to my whole list everyday and it sinks in.
Someday, will have to cut some that I’m sure I have down.
Let me know if that doesn’t work. Not sure I’m giving right link.
Blessings,
Renee Ann
October 21, 2008 at 6:29 pm |
Matt,
I would try to nail that first line so you can say it in your sleep. Did you look at Andy Davis’ suggestions? I think they might help you.
Renee Ann,
I had not noticed that feature on the ESV site before. Thanks for the link!
October 22, 2008 at 9:09 am |
Barry,
You said:
David,
53 = over half a century = old. The truth hurts.
I say 53 – eternity w/ Christ = not old!
October 22, 2008 at 10:27 am |
David,
You win. Your equation is far superior to mine. And I’m looking forward to never growing old and eternally increasing joy.
November 8, 2008 at 12:14 pm |
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November 15, 2008 at 5:36 am |
I’ve never been particularly good at memorizing scripture, but I am able to recall enough verses here and there to remind me throughout the day of God’s purposes for me and others.
I guess age has something to do with it for some people, but it seems more like a gift for others.
November 15, 2008 at 10:37 am |
Matt,
I’m sure some people are better at memorizing Scripture than others, but it’s been a good exercise for our church. The vast majority of our members don’t consider themselves good at memorizing Scripture, but they’re working hard at it anyway. It’s very encouraging.
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