Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Hebrews 4:4, “For He has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’”
If there was ever a devotion written that might fall on deaf ears, this one might fit the bill. And if you’re guessing what it’s going to be about based on today’s verse, then you might suspect the topic to be about living a less hectic life or honoring the sabbath by not working and taking a day of rest. While these notions are not without merit, and would be difficult for many to adopt into their lifestyle, I rather am focusing on the first half of the text for my discussion, the introduction to the quote that the writer of Hebrews gives. There, instead of noting what passage he is referring to, he does what so many of us do and says that somewhere in the bible there is a verse that says what he then quotes. And that is a good thing, a useful thing, a powerful thing. Knowing that God has somewhere said what He has said goes a long way towards keeping us from sin and growing us up into mature believers. But in this particular instance, I am reminded of how rarely myself and so many others dedicate ourselves to memorizing specific scripture. We hear it preached, we read it throughout the week, and we shape our inner being by its truths, but few of us are making an effort to permanently commit it to our memory banks.
But that’s not to say that we don’t have scripture memorized. On the contrary, we have locked away many favorite passages, but we just aren’t doing that very regularly any more. When we were young, or younger in our faith, we heeded the direction of others to learn verses by heart. But now, no one is passing out blue ribbons for learning another ten verses, and the flame of our earlier commitment burns less brightly. The only motivation there might be is found in the pages of the very scripture we aren’t learning. And our reasons for this neglect are many, even if expressed with a sheepish grimace and a bit of resignation. We know we tuck all manner of less-eternal info into the pockets of our mind but choose not to take the time to put God’s word there. So, if you’ve made it reading this far, perhaps you’ll join me in a commitment to cherish the Holy Bible enough to memorize it, and know the power of knowing His power.
As we seek Him today, take today or this week or this month to hide His word in your heart.
Have a memorable Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
