Take the Word with you

On the 19th of February 1948 Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand was arrested on his way to church. His only crime was shepherding his flock and witnessing to others about his faith. He would spend 14 years in jail. His sole comfort, when all contact with family and friends was cut off, was the Word. Night after night he would console himself with verses stored away in his memory – something his communist captors could not take from him.
Stories like these illustrate the importance of memorizing Scripture. Here are five reasons every believer should memorize Scripture:
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1. It helps us fight temptation: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Ps. 119:11). When Jesus resisted temptation, he relied on the Word – passages that he had memorized. 
2. It strengthens our faith: “hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you… That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today” (Prov. 22:17-19). Memorizing Scripture reinforces the truth upon which our faith rests. Cherish God’s precious promises in your heart.
3. It helps us witness: On the day of Pentecost the apostle Peter preached to a large crowd. During his sermon he expounded three different Old Testament passages from memory (see Acts 2). Sharing the gospel with conviction is a lot easier when we have relevant gospel passages memorised.
4. It guides our decisions: “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counsellors.” (Ps. 119:24). As we memorize Scripture it changes how we think. It begins to shape our ideas, priorities and principles. We can then apply those passages and principles to our decision making.
5. It inspires worship: “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” (Ps. 139:17-18). Many of the Psalms were inspired by prayerful meditation on God’s Word. This is what fuelled their worship. The Word, stored up in the heart, fans the flames of worship.

You may not live under the threat of persecution, but that does not diminish your need for God’s Word. Dallas Willard wrote: “As a pastor, teacher, and counsellor I have repeatedly seen the transformation of inner and outer life that comes simply from memorization and meditation upon Scripture.” So, which passage will you memorize first?
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Because of Christ,
Pastor Pieter