Amen - 31 July 2023

Amen is a Hebrew word that means “so be it”. For a long time, I only thought of it as a word we use at the end of a prayer. However, when we say “amen” at the end of a prayer, it is more than just the end. We affirm that we truly mean every word in our prayer or praise: Amen, so be it.

The Bible also teaches us that we affirm our appreciation for the word of God when we say amen: “Ezra said, ‘Praise the LORD, the great God!’ All the people raised their arms in the air and answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’ They knelt in worship, with their faces to the ground. Then they rose and stood in their places, and the following Levites explained the Law to them: Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah.” (Nehemiah 8:6-7) We believe in the word of God – yes, so be it, amen.

By saying amen, we affirm that we agree with God’s decisions. King David experienced first-hand what it means to be able to say “I believe in the forgiveness of sin” … and then experience the peace of God. Although he was not sure how the people would accept his decision, he was convinced in his heart that his son, Solomon, had to succeed him. He reveals his decision to the leaders and they respond: “‘It shall be done,’ [i.e.amen] answered Benaiah, ‘and may the LORD your God confirm it. As the LORD has been with Your Majesty, may he also be with Solomon, and make his reign even more prosperous than yours.'” (1 Kings 1:36-37)

In the past month, we have learnt something about what we believe. Let us say with certainty: I believe. Amen, so be it.

“He who gives his testimony to all this says, ‘Yes indeed! I am coming soon!’ So be it. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we can believe in the Amen, the credible and true witness through whom God created everything. Thank you that we can look forward with anticipation to the day you will come again. Amen