[This is one in a series of mid-week Reflections published by Horley Baptist Church during August 2020]
Today we are returning the to subject of memory verses or, more specifically, to the value of being able to recall words of Scripture when the occasion warrants it. Of course, that assumes that we know the words of Scripture in the first place!
Psalm 45 begins with the words: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king”. It seems to me that there are two audiences identified here.
Firstly, we see ‘my heart’, which means that the recalling and retelling of the verses brings a benefit to those speaking them. We can extend this not just to the speaker but also those who are listening.
I have just finished re-reading Richard Wurmbrand’s account of the horrors that he endured during a period of 14 years of imprisonment at the hands of the communist regime in Romania. On many occasions he was able to debate with his fellow prisoners and with his captors using an enviable level of recollection, not only of Bible texts but also of the writings that formed the basis of his captors’ motivation. In addition, he was able to use the passages that he knew to bring comfort to many of those in prison with him as well as to encourage himself.
Both Mark and Luke remind us that we may be called before various authorities to give an account of our faith. Hebrews assures us that “the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword”. Are you suitably equipped?
Secondly, we see ‘the king’, which we can take to indicate that the speaker is addressing God as well. Authors often like to hear of their works being quoted – it demonstrates that somebody thought their words were worth remembering, even if only to disagree or deride them. So it is with God’s word with the added value that His word will never pass away.
Finally, the reference to a noble theme. The recalling of passages of Scripture is a form of worship and reverence. Many a powerful prayer has included words like “Lord, have you not have said …” – not so much reminding God about His promises but rather offering Him an opportunity to fulfil them.
Surely that is indeed a noble theme.
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
