Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

VERILY, VERILY, AMEN, AMEN!

An old story is told of a man who visited a church in a nearby city. The minister’s homily touched on scriptural truths precious to the guest. Accordingly, he responded with a hearty “Amen!” After the second such response, the minister paused as said, “Sir, I wish you would be quiet. You are interrupting my sermon.” The man replied, “But I have joy in my religion.” Whereupon the minister replied, “Well, you did not get it here!” In this, sadness outweighs the humor. Moreover, it is quite a discomforting scenario since it underscores a present reality in too many churches. But, why would anyone respond with a hearty “Amen” in a worship service anyway? Think about it with me!

The exclamation or affirmation, implied and inferred by the term, “Amen!” is that of truth. If one is in solid agreement with what is said it may produce emotional joy evoking the response, but it is not heard in modern times so much as it was in generations gone by. The term comes from the Bible. Jesus often used it, but most often at the beginning of a statement rather than in response to one. It is his introduction to several statements, as in John 3:3. “Verily, verily.” Without further need of emphasis, hearers understood that what was to follow was extremely important and should be particularly heeded. The words so translated as “verily, verily,” may be read “truly, truly.” The English translation “verily” is from an Anglo-Old French term,“verus” and/or Latin “veritatem,” all of which mean “true” and gives us such terms as

“verify, veritable, veracity,” etc. However, when the Greek term for “verily” that actually comes from an old Hebrew word “Aval,” is transliterated it reads “Amen” (This is true!). Thus, the term is commonly used at the end of a prayer to mean, “This is true, so mote it be.” It is also a positive, interjectory response of agreement to any statement, but particularly one of spiritual import.

So, the next time you enjoy a statement of spiritual truth go ahead and express your joy with a hearty “Amen!” Chances are good that it will be appreciated, even fueling the speaker, especially if in a Baptist Church. If you enjoy your religion, you just might have gotten it there. Who knows? It may even awaken those nearby who have gone to sleep. Amen! and Amen!, Verily, Verily! So mote it be!

FOR THOUGHT: How long has it been since you heard the term “Amen!” shouted from a congregation in response to a truth spoken from the pulpit? Do you ever use the term, “Amen” to agree with friends even if the context is not spiritual? What benefits do you think may come from the employment of that word now and then?