Scripture Memorization

I have read a lot of challenging exhortations to memorize Scripture lately. Let's face it, Scripture memorization is tough stuff. I believe it is tougher than other types of memorization, because of the spiritual component. Speaking to the Lord, the Psalmist pronounces, "I have stored your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11, ESV). Scripture, rightly understood and correctly applied, has the power to transform the heart.

However, it is important to note that Scripture memorization must be combined with understanding and faith. It will do us no good to memorize a string of words, that we neither understand nor believe, simply because they appear in Scripture. Hence, Jesus can say to the Sadducees, "You are wrong, for you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God' (Matt. 22:29). To the chief priests and scribes he states, "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise?'" (Matt. 21:16, quoting Ps. 8:2). And to the Pharisees he states, "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'" (Matt. 9:13, quoting Hos. 6:6). We need to seek both to understand and believe the Scriptures we are memorizing.