I’m reminded of Moses’ similar instructions to the Israelites when they are given the 10 Commandments.
‘Impress them on your children. ‘Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.’
Why? Because we can be quite forgetful creatures in need of constant reminder and direction from God and this way, ‘the commandments of the Lord were in view and in mind, so as to undeviatingly observe them’.
Fun fact: Observant Jews wear a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah on their hands and above their foreheads!! How can we be more intentional in binding God’s Word on our fingers? Well, what do most 21st century humans have on their hands almost every single day? Phones!
Little things like having a Scripture lock screen/wallpaper can be an effective means of keeping His Word as the ‘apple of our eye’. I’ve personally found great comfort, encouragement – and only God knows the number of times His Word guarded me from making foolish mistakes. We have so many ways to carry God’s Word with us!! What is our excuse?
I always used to think that memorizing verses was so Sunday Schoolish and it’s only for children. However, the older I get, the more I understand the lifelong value in having God’s Word etched deep in my mind. Of course, it takes discipline and effort but it’s so worth it – not just for ourselves but for those around us too!
‘Your life may be the only Bible some people ever read’ is a compelling statement. What a great responsibility we ALL have as the redeemed of Christ.
Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Keep us rooted in Christ through Your Word and Your Holy Spirit so that we can live out the Gospel of Christ. Help us to cherish it, to practice it and to abide in it. You are the world’s greatest Author and we’re humbled to be a part of Your grand narrative.
Love You Lord.
Redeemer's Scribe 