Memory

Matthew 26:13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.

What is her name?

If you say Mary the sister of Lazarus, look again. She anointed His feet and wiped them with her hair.

This is why we read the bible over and over again to keep certain facts straight. This woman in the house of Simon the leper is not identified by name but the act was recorded. Is it more important to have a name or to recognize the act?

Memory is a gift from God but to rely on it by human will relies on the instrument. Minds are not equal and how they store memory and recall those memories differ from person to person.

Many of us have our favorite verses memorized. Now answer this honestly, when is the last time you quoted that verse? Did you include the address or just the quote? If it has been some time, look it up and make sure you remembered it correctly. Now ask yourself, did you find it necessary to also include if the quote is from the KJV, ESV, NASB or NIV?

That is what I thought. Others listening might be familiar with a different version than what you placed into memory. This might not be important in a casual setting but in a group setting, lecture or teaching, it might. Keep that in mind. Here is one of mine.

Psalm 17:15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (ESV)

KJV As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

NIV As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

ICB Because I have lived right, I will see your face. When I wake up, I will see your likeness and be satisfied.

I memorized this verse in my earlier years via the KJV. As you can see, other versions have translated it in ways that are so different that if my early studies had not been in the KJV I would not have found it worthy of memorizing.

I might have been wrong in the correct interpretation, other revisionists disagree with the correct translation. I am not a student of Hebrew, Arimaic and Greek. I am a student of Christ and I know how I feel about what He says. Nothing in this life will satisfy me like the hope of waking up in eternity to find my final change has been completed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *