Join 10,000+ Christians around the world who want to memorize more of God's Word! Josh provides weekly encouragement and ideas that go beyond just rote memorization (repeating over and over). Learn how to internalize and apply the Bible in your life like never before!
"Don't Memorize!" (says man who recites Luke)
Published about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], I remember exactly where I was when I first heard a youth leader recite something from memory. It was a rap/poem, not the Bible, but it didn't matter...
I was enthralled.
There was something about the beauty and rhythm of the words that captured me. I knew that on my own I would probably never sound that articulate, but if I memorized the words...maybe it was possible?
I modeled what this guy did and memorized those words. Later (still in high school) I decided it would be cool to try the book of James. All because this one youth leader inspired me.
Sadly, this man also serves as a warning.
As I write this, that youth leader is now sitting in prison serving two life sentences for a series of terrible decisions. He was a man I once admired who I now use as a cautionary tale.
There are two things I take away from this:
Our words inspire: If you believe that God's Word is a living and active double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), then you should be encouraged to know that reciting it has power! You don't have to be on a stage - it could just be a small group - but you can and should inspire others in this way.
You can know the words but ignore the Word: This youth leader is a great example of this. He knew the words. He had memorized this poem and parts of the Bible, yet it obviously hadn't transformed him. He inspired a generation of students and then showed them why it's more important to understand the words than to just have them memorized.
For this reason, it wasn't shocking to me when my new friend Bruce had this advice: "don't memorize".
Bruce is a former Broadway actor who has spent the last few decades going around reciting the book of Luke from memory. In my conversation with him on the podcast this week, he explained the difference between his recitation and those of other similar actors who have recited books of Bible from stage:
People were captivated by my recitation...because they hadn't seen the Bible on stage by someone who actually thinks it happened!
I encourage you to take a few minutes today to watch or listen to this fun interview. You won't regret it.
📣 "Don't Memorize!" (says man who recited Luke)
Bruce Kuhn has inspired hundreds - if not thousands - of people over the years with his recitation of the Gospel of Luke. Hear his story of moving from Broadway theater to stage presentations of the Bible...and how he does it.
📺 Watch
Watch the full interview with Josh & Bruce on YouTube
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Emily is thinking ahead to public recitation and wrestling with a great question: If you memorize in the KJV, should you recite in the KJV? Would it be beautiful and powerful—or potentially harder for some to follow?
The discussion that followed is thoughtful, practical, and full of real-life experience. If you’ve ever wondered how translation impacts public recitation, you’ll want to read this one.
We’re kicking off another 7-Day Scripture Memory Challenge, and you’re invited!
This is a simple, powerful way to refocus your heart on God’s Word. Choose your own goal and pace...one verse, a paragraph, review only, or something bigger. There’s no pressure and no comparison, just encouragement and accountability along the way.
Whether you’ve been consistent or need a fresh start, this is the perfect time to jump back in. Let’s spend the next seven days hiding His Word in our hearts, together. Click here to join!!​
Recite Together Session
Next Thursday night you're invited to join a free, community-wide Recite Together session. You can recite any verse(s) you've memorized or just listen to others reciting. If you've never done something like this before, it's worth giving it a try. RSVP as part of our community here:
No matter what you're in the middle of memorizing or what kind of goal you've set for yourself, just remember that remembering the words without allowing the Word to transform your life is pointless.
Take your time. Soak in the Word.
Have a great weekend!
Josh & the Bible Memory Goal team
p.s. in case you missed it, be sure to join the 7-day memory challenge starting this Sunday!
Join 10,000+ Christians around the world who want to memorize more of God's Word! Josh provides weekly encouragement and ideas that go beyond just rote memorization (repeating over and over). Learn how to internalize and apply the Bible in your life like never before!