Blog Update and Bible Memorization
By: Ross Jelgerhuis
A Word about the Redeemer Blog
For many years now Redeemer’s blog has been a helpful weekly resource for thoughtful and devotional reflection on anything from spiritual growth to cultural issues. Our staff recently discussed the blog, considering its purpose and value, and decided for the foreseeable future to make two slight changes to our blogging rhythms. First, we decided to narrow the focus of the blog. Instead of opening the blog up to wide variety of subjects, we want to try using the blog to supplement Redeemer Radio. This means blogs will typically expand upon concepts and issues discussed on Redeemer Radio. We felt this change would be mutually beneficial to the blog and the podcast, deepening the latter and providing more focus to the former – while increasing awareness to both. The second change has to do with frequency, we are going to reduce the postings from weekly to 1-2 a month. We are thankful for how God uses the gift of the written word in our lives as an effective medium to engage our minds and stir our hearts, and we are excited to continue utilizing Redeemer’s blog as another touchpoint in seeking Jesus together.
Memorization and Abiding
Last week we discussed Bible memorization on Redeemer Radio. One reflection I (Ross) offered was how much the practice of memorizing scripture has enhanced my experience of abiding with Christ. Allow me to expand on this.
In John 15, where Jesus discusses’ abiding, he gives us one clue to what abiding looks like: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you.” To “abide,” according to Christ, heavily involves allowing Christ’s word to fill our minds. Paul later agrees, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16). Enter memorization. If Jesus loves us enough to want our presence with him all the day (ie “abide” means “remain in”), if abiding is a central practice for our growth in Christ (John 15:5), if it completes our joy (John 15:11), and if one key means to abiding is having Christ’s word “remain” in us – it seems as though memorizing scripture, so that our minds can be continually filled with the life-giving words of Christ, would be a deeply encouraging practice. I love how David Cassidy puts it, “In Jesus’ view, reading Scripture is the same as having God sit in your room and speak directly to you.” As I mentioned on the podcast, practicing Bible memory has helped that truth become more of a reality for me. As the passage I’m memorizing is recalled to mind variously through the day, it enhances my sense of Christ’s nearness and my companionship with him. I encourage you all to not miss out on this blessed (Psalm 1:2) practice and experience.
In close, it is important to note that what I’ve said about abiding here is but a sliver of what is all meant when Jesus speaks of it. As Sinclair Ferguson explains, Jesus’ command in John 15 to “abide” in him is often incompletely understood. We (me chiefly!) often focus only on the experiential companionship aspect of abiding. This of course is a beautiful reality and one we all need growth in (hence my words above). However, Ferguson avers that while abiding is not less than this, it is certainly much more. Please continue to his article to glean a fuller picture of the multi-faceted diamond of abiding.