I periodically assert to my congregations that “amen” is much
more than just a concluding punctuation point. The word “amen” is understood,
roughly, as “so be it”, or “may it be”, or “truly”.
I propose this;
Rather than use amen as a “quit claim deed” regarding the issues, concerns, and
petitions we have uttered to God, consider it the creation of a joint venture
between God and ourselves in which we both take action on those petitions.
Allow the sentiment
of amen to be an invitation to God to attend to these uttered issues in His
capacity and wisdom while we also, in partnership with God, do what we can
regarding concerns spoken.
God has created us
in his image; he has blessed us with spiritual gifts, enabled us with cognitive
capabilities, and trusted us with the faithful stewardship of all of His
creation. That is a generous sharing of creational authority by God.
Our response to
this sharing of creational authority should be faithful, diligent,
enthusiastic, and active.
I encourage you to
look for opportunities where you can respond to improve someone’s condition,
for situations of conflict where you can contribute peace and reconciliation, to
display active hope in the midst of trials and sufferings rather than passive
surrender to cynicism and futility.
Rather than abdicate
our role in creational authority, let us embrace it and be found good and
faithful servants.
