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Amen!

             “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. (Revelation 3:14)

             Amen: Affirmation of truth; “So be it.” A statement that adds the strength of the speaker to what has been said.

             Witness: One who sees or has seen and therefore has knowledge.

 

            As I look at the definition of Amen, I have to chuckle. We say “Amen” at the end of most prayers. We say and even shout, “Amen!” when we agree with something someone says. What possible good would it do for you or me to say “Amen!” to anything? What strength have we to add to what has been said? Some people could say “Amen” and have it mean something, but I’m not one of them.

            But the passage isn’t about our saying “Amen.” It’s about Someone who is the Amen. He adds strength to what has been said – to Scripture.  And He can do so because He has seen God and knows Him. Not only does He have knowledge, but He has power. An “Amen” from Him means something. And if we are saying “Amen” with Him, then while we lack the power to make the word mean something, He has all the power and authority necessary and may add it to our powerless proclamations.

                The illustration is old and classic. A weakling is picked on by a bully. The bully knocks him down and happens to close his eyes as he laughs at the weakling. As he opens his eyes, he finds the weakling back on his feet, and a large, strong protector standing immediately behind him. It’s not that we add our strength by saying “Amen.” It’s that He lends us His Amen when we speak in accordance with His will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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