Almost a year ago, Mark preached on the word ‘Amen’. I was reminded of that sermon recently as I was looking at the subject of God’s faithfulness. 2 Cor 1:18-20 says, But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.’

Eugene Peterson says “The yes of the gospel is not spoken under the pretense [sic] that sin is not as bad as it appears to be, nor while avoiding pain, nor while sidestepping suffering. Amen, the biblical yes, is used, always, in relation to God, the God who establishes and makes persons firm and secure in eternal purpose and redemptive love.” (Eugene Peterson, ‘Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work’, P 160

Many people accuse Christians of being naive or presumptuous, but in fact, as our studies of 1 Corinthians are showing, God’s ways are the ultimate reality and His truths are the one firm foundation on which we can build. As we do so, we find that ‘Amen’ is more than a word to indicate we’ve finished praying. It’s a word that aligns us with God’s will!

amen