Ash Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent: 40 passages in 40 days

The plan is 40 scripture passages memorized in 40 days. Alright, so Lent is technically 46 days, but Sundays don’t count, I have to preach those days. Someone informed me that this was not a fair goal since I am a pastor and already have the Bible memorized. Well to shockingly inform many of you, I don’t have the entire Bible memorized (but I can list the books in order to a catchy tune). The plan than is to memorize 40 new scripture verses during Lent. Not only do I look to memorize them for one day, and then move on, but by Easter to be able to recite each verse word from word.

I know many of you think this should be easy for a pastor, but let me guarantee it will not. Some of these passages I know well, but the goal is to have them fully memorized, being familiar with the concept of the verse will not be sufficient. Perhaps to help me be motivated through the process I will begin with a passage that emphasizes the importance of knowing scripture. Each day I will try to post word from word (NRSV) the passage without looking (I will be honest) than I will post below, what the actual passage says. If you like, you are more than welcome to follow along and try to memorize with me.

Joshua 1:7-9

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with whole law that my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it, not to the right hand, or to the left; so that you may be successful wherever you go.
This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth. You shall meditate on it day and night so that you will be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then your way shall be prosperous, and then you shall be successful.
I herby command you: be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

While I did make a few minor mistakes, I will continue to work on it to make it perfect. This passage is a great reminder about the definition of success and prosperity. According to scripture these highly sought out potentials are only achieved after having kept God’s law in your heart.

Keeping God’s law in your heart does require strength and courage, especially in the case of Joshua. Joshua was getting ready to enter into the Promised Land by way of war. God promises that if he is obedient, and faithful he will have success. Often times we try to follow God backwards. We say, first let me get wealthy and successful and then I will follow God. This is not success. Joy, prosperity comes in knowing the richness of God’s life giving word!