February 28, 2004

THE AMEN

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation' " (Revelation 3:14, NIV).

The book of Revelation contains an impressive array of titles that apply to Jesus. Among these is John's unique usage of the word, Amen, as a descriptive title.

The word, Amen, occurs more than eighty times throughout the Bible. It is frequently used as an expression of solemn approval meaning, "So let it be," as acquiescence to another's prayer, or as an affirmative response. The early Christian church associated the word with prayers of thanksgiving and praise to God (see Ephesians 3:21). Only in Revelation 3:14 is it employed as a personal name or title.

To the apostle John, the Amen is a special title that applies uniquely to Jesus Christ. In this usage, the title becomes a powerful declaration of Christ's veracity, reliability, and finality. The title is further qualified by the clause, "the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation" (Revelation 3:14, NIV). In this way, John identifies Jesus as the ultimate truth, a fact Christ Himself asserted (see John 14:6). As the Amen, Jesus is the One through whom all God's purposes are established and confirmed (see 2 Corinthians 1:21). He is God's final word in the plan of salvation. Whatever Jesus says is to be accepted without question because He is the Amen.

Through Christ, the Amen, all the promises and truth of God are secured. In His sublime person rests the guarantee of the whole plan of salvation. As the Amen, "Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching."--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 43.

My Prayer Today: Lord, through Christ, the Amen, I have the assurance that all Your promises are sure. Amen.