"Amen, amen means `yes, yes, it shall be so.'"

That definition of the word Amen is certainly familiar to anyone who has ever studied the Small Catechism. In just a few, memorable words, Luther sums up so well a word that has transcended every culture. Amen is a word that doesn't need to be translated. The meaning is clear.

Amen. This is true. Here I stand. Right on. It shall be so.

Given the frequency with which we use the word Amen, it's a little surprising to find that the Scriptures don't use it all that much (less than 50 times). Nevertheless, when it does appear, the significance is clear and explains why this little Hebrew word is still used throughout the world.

When King David announced that Solomon would succeed him as king, Benaiah, one of the commanders of the army, responded, "Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, so declare it" (1 Kings 1:36). That Amen was an important declaration and was filled with meaning. As a military commander, Benaiah could have opposed Solomon. But instead, he spoke his Amen to David's proclamation. In other words, there would be no coup attempt. What the king had spoken was true; hence, Benaiah even called on God to bless it and make it so.

The most concentrated use of Amen in the Scriptures is found in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. Here the Levites are commanded to recite to the people a series of 12 curses. After each curse, the following is repeated: "Then all the people shall say, `Amen.'" That Amen wasn't simply the people's way of approving of God's word of judgment. After all, the human heart is sinful. They had dishonored their parents (v. 16); they had taken what belonged to their neighbor (v. 17); they had failed to carry out what the law commanded (v. 26; see Gal. 3:10).

In this context the rich meaning of the word Amen becomes evident. To say Amen is, in the final analysis, an acknowledgment that God's truth must stand, even when our sinful flesh might be opposed to it. To say Amen is to let God be God. To say Amen is to confess with confidence that God's will is most assuredly done.

That's precisely how St. Paul used the Amen to conclude many of his epistles. Listen, for example, to the confidence and hope that radiates from these final verses of his letter to the Romans:

Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Rom. 16:25-27).

What more could possibly be said but Amen?

In public worship the Amen is regularly spoken by the congregation. For example, whenever the pastor prays a prayer on behalf of the congregation, the response of the people is Amen. With that Amen they are saying that the prayer that was prayed is their prayer, even as they call on God to grant their request.

The same is true of various points in the service where the pastor speaks words of blessing from God. Following the words of absolution, for example, the congregation's Amen is very important. What it indicates is that these words of forgiveness spoken by the pastor are not mere words, but words of power and life. To say Amen means "Yes, this is true." Gift received.

A similar use of the Amen can be found after the Invocation, the Benediction--even after the dismissal from the communion rail. What could be a more powerful witness to our belief in the real presence of Christ's body and blood through which he distributes forgiveness and life than for the communicants to respond with a hearty Amen? What else can be said as the pastor sends them off with such comforting and encouraging words: "The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you steadfast in the true faith to life everlasting. Go in peace"? Amen is the only word that will do.

The word Amen is such an appropriate expression for Christians because it is filled with confidence and hope. And that is the essence of the Christian faith. We don't worship our God with fear and doubt. No, the Word of God boldly proclaims all that God has done for us and invites us to trust confidently in his promises.

And so we say Amen. There's nothing more to be said, for God is faithful and will not forsake his children. Amen, amen! Yes, yes, it shall be so!

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