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IN a conversation with a Salvation Army officer a number of years ago, he told me that he had been privileged to sit at the bedside of an older officer as he prepared to move from earth to Heaven. My colleague told me how the elder man, really quite ill and close to death, was quietly reciting Scripture, reminding himself of all that he had learnt over the years. Unable to hold any significant conversation with family, he consoled himself and prepared for the journey ahead by repeating the verses of Scripture that he had taken time to memorise. It was so deeply engrained in his memory that it came back fresh and easily as he lay in his bed.

In my early days at Sunday school, there was a strong encouragement – almost an expectation – that we children would learn some verses of Scripture, memorising them for the same reason that old officer had done. A memory text was proposed so that Bible verses could be an inspiration to young followers of Jesus. As children, we were encouraged to learn the words by heart to songs we sang in musical vocal groups, and those words still come readily to mind when sought for. This is evidence of how our minds can store up positive information.

The incredible capacity of the internet means that almost any information we require is readily available and accessible in seconds, and it almost negates the need to learn and remember facts or details. However, the believer and follower of Jesus would be bereft of the benefit and blessing that learning Scripture brings, were they to abstain from this spiritual discipline.

Let us take time to reflect upon and learn some Scripture verses, to encourage us in our day-to-day living and to prepare us for eternity.