This is one of my favorite parables that Jesus told while He was on earth. I will admit that it is not the most comfortable parable. We like those a whole lot more, right? Especially the short ones like the parable of the mustard seed in Luke 13.
One of the great things about parables is how they draw us into a reality of our every day lives. Whether it is a farmer sowing seeds or people at work on the job handling their business, the parables give a us a connection to the deeper truths of heaven.
The memory verse this week is the point that Jesus illustrates in this parable of a very wealthy man. He does not condemn wealth, but He does call out a motivation of greed. If I am being transparent, this verse has been one that I have tucked away in my heart because greed sneaks in and God’s Word is our true defense. Remember, it is our sword!
A couple of weeks ago, I issued the challenge to you to memorize a key verse from the upcoming sermon passage each week. A verse that I memorized in third grade has aided me so many times in my life and helped me keep the challenge of memorizing His Word. Psalm 119.11 says “Your word I have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You” (NASB).[1] Last week, I gave you my preferred method for memorizing Scripture. It is what I have used for a number of years and it works for me. But, not everyone operates the same way, so I want to offer another method for you today.
This method will take you a little longer and it may be a larger commitment for you, but as we are learning through our No Other Gods sermon series, devotion to God is never too large of a commitment! While I don’t know what to call this method, I have watched others use it successfully. I will give you the verse first and then the steps to memorize.
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” Luke 16.13.
- Get several note cards or sticky notes and write the verse in its entirety on each card. Maybe 5 or 6 cards will be sufficient for you. The practice of writing the words of this verse will begin to lock it into your mind where it can begin seeping into your heart. Keep one card blank.
- Once all of the cards or notes are copied, strategically place these cards where they will be in your eyesight throughout the day. Maybe starting at the bathroom mirror so you see the verse as you get ready, wash your hands, or get ready for bed. Another good location would be on your car dash board where you can read the verse at red lights, when you first get into the car, or when you are at your destination and preparing to get out. Your desk or workspace is another great place. You know the places around where the cards will be see and can prompt you to read the verse.
- As the week progresses, use the cards in their locations as cues for getting started with reciting the verse. Since you have been taking several opportunities each day to read the verse over and over, you will be surprised to know that you have learned more than you realized!
- When you are ready, take the last card from your stack (the one that remained blank) and write the verse from memory. If you get it on the first go, great! Come back tomorrow and write it again on the other side. If you don’t get it, that is okay! Take a little time to review the verse and come back tomorrow to write it on the other side.
When you are working on memorizing Scripture, I want you to keep this phrase in mind. It isn’t a spiritual quote or anything, just a good encouragement: “There’s no such thing as a failure who keeps on trying.”[2]
Keep up the good work as you hide His Word in your heart!
[1] Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from New American Standard Bible ©1995 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
[2] It’s not even meant to be an encouragement in the regard I am using it. It’s actually a line from a song by Blues Traveler from 1994.
