Amen

 

    Amen is a Hebrew word that means "so be it", "verily", or "truly".  It is an expression used for agreement, confirmation or desire.  It is the same word in Aramaic, but has a stronger meaning: "it is so" or "this is so".  It pertains to faith or being trustworthy.  In Greek amen is amḗn (ἀμήν).  In Latin and English it is still Amen.  It is one of the few words that never changed much if at all over time.

    The Levites were the spiritual people of the Hebrew nation.  They yelled out a few curses.  All the curses enforced by God are listed.  Anyone who carves or cast idols.  Anyone who dishonors their parents.  To steal or move property markers.  Anyone who leads the blind astray.  To deny justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows will be cursed for their cruelty.  Sexual violations with family, in-laws, or animals are detestable to God.   Anyone who attacks another person in secret.  To accept payment and kill an innocent is evil.  Anyone who does not obey the terms of God's rules are cursed.  The nation listening agreed and cried out Amen after each curse was announced.

    God promised David faithfully to give him and his family unfailing love.  However, God's unfailing love may look different from the human perspective.  That is why it requires faith.  When you feel disgraced, don't blame God.  Do not blame or insult other people to feel better.  When you are mocked, look inward, look at who is attacking, and look to God for answers.  Then praise God forever.  Amen.

    An angel told John to write a letter to the church of Laodicea.  It was from the one who is Amen: the faithful and true witness.  He witnessed the beginning of God's new creation.  It was a letter of declaration of good and bad deeds of the church.

    The Bible ends with this amen:  Jesus is the faithful witness of all things.  He declared that he would be coming soon.  The things is his soon does not look like our soon, but he has not forgotten us.  He is still coming.  May the grace of Jesus be with God's holy people as we wait.

Deuteronomy 27:14-26, Psalm 89:49-52, Revelations 3:14, & 22:20-21