Remembering

 Devotion: The Disciple Who Remembers

Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...”
— Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

Have you ever stopped to ask why Jesus never wrote a book? For someone who changed the world with His teachings, it seems surprising. But Jesus, as a first-century rabbi, followed a tradition where the master’s words were memorized by his disciples. Writing things down wasn't the primary method of learning — living the teachings was. A disciple demonstrated love and honor for his teacher not by filing away his lessons on parchment, but by internalizing them in his heart and repeating them with his life.

This calls us to a reflection: How seriously do we take the words of Jesus today? In an age of digital convenience — Bible apps, online sermons, and Google searches — we rarely feel the need to memorize Scripture. Yet memorization is not about mere mental exercise. It’s about intimacy. When you memorize the words of Jesus, they walk with you. They speak to your heart when your Bible is closed, when you're tempted, when you're grieving, when you're praying.

I think back to times in my life when I was spiritually dry, and often, I wasn’t feasting on God’s Word. I wasn’t treasuring it like a disciple ought. The words of Jesus weren’t abiding richly in me — they were peripheral, not central. I was consuming hours of media and neglecting the one voice I needed most. How easy it is to let good things crowd out the best thing.

Memorization may seem daunting, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. But it's not about perfection — it’s about pursuit. One verse at a time. One repeated phrase. One promise clung to in a time of need. That’s discipleship. That’s honoring our Rabbi.

Think again about the first-century disciples. They left their nets, their tax booths, their homes. And we hesitate to leave a screen.

Contemplation:
What is one verse of Jesus you could begin to memorize today? What distractions can you gently set aside so that His words can take deeper root in your heart? What would it look like for you to show honor to your Teacher by meditating on His words day and night?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Living Word, and Your teachings are spirit and life. Forgive me for treating Your words lightly and for giving my attention to lesser things. I want to be Your disciple — not in word only, but in deed and in heart. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Teach me to treasure Your voice above all others. May I honor You, my Rabbi, by remembering, practicing, and living what You have spoken. Give me discipline and desire to know You more deeply through Your Word.
Amen.