THE WORD FOR TODAY: REMEMBERING- BY GREG ELKAN

_“By now you should be teachers...”_ – Heb 5:12 (GW)

The first level of Bloom’s six levels of learning is remembering, or memorizing. This is the most basic level of learning, where the learner is able to recall or recognize information, facts, and concepts.

This level involves recalling previously learned information, such as facts, definitions, and concepts. It requires the ability to remember and recall information from memory without needing to consult an external source.

While this may sound basic, this is actually the beginning of any learning process. You don't really know anything if you cannot recall it from memory.

The Bible also emphasises memorisation as a key foundational requirement for spiritual growth. We are given multiple instructions to “hide” God’s word in our hearts and let it “dwell” inside of us. Under the Mosaic Law, the people were to literally put God’s law on their foreheads, hands, and doorposts. They were commanded to “Memorize” God’s laws, tell them to their children over and over again, talk about them all the time – whether they were at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning, (Deu 6:6-9 CEV).

Moses’ successor, Joshua, was told to _“Always remember”_ what is written in the book of Law, and to speak about it _“day and night,”_ (Jos 1:8 ERV)

Solomon in Pro 7:1-3 says _“My son, remember my words. Don't forget what I have told you…Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart,”_ (Pro 7:1-3 ERV).

And Ps 119:11 famously says _“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”_

In the New Testament, our Lord talks about His words remaining in us (Jn 15:7) and Paul in Col 3:16 says _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”_

Beloved, in this day of Google searches and Chatgpts, it is essential for us to remember (pun intended) the importance of having scriptures memorised in our hearts. “John 3:16” may be a good starting point, but it must not end there. Memorisation is not first in Mr. Bloom’s list because it is for children, but because it is the foundation upon which every intellectual – and spiritual – growth is built.

AMEN

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN

- Nigeria