"Let the Amen sound from his people again, gladly..."

"Let the Amen sound from his people again, gladly..."
Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Joachim Neander (1650-1680)
        Translated by Catherine Winkworth
Tune: LOBE DEN HERREN

First of all, let me say that I love this hymn all the way through.

This hymnline calls on the people of God to sound the truth again… it seems to imply that this should be done with fervor, maybe because of the way the melody rises at that point.

The very word “amen” has been curiously interpreted for us throughout history. Although it has come to mean “I agree with what you just said (or sang),” at its center is more of an agreement with the truth of faith; in Scripture, it is sometimes translated “verily, verily” or “I tell you the truth.”  It is a uniquely Judeo-Christian word – though in Islam a similar “Amin” is used.

My point here is simple: I think this hymn is calling the church to stand firmly for the truth, using a uniquely sacred word. We might even think of it as “Let God’s truth sound from his people again.” No more standing back and waffling on the issues; in agreement, speak the truth… and do so “gladly” – not coerced or because it is expected – but because you want to.

The next time this phrase comes across your lips in worship, let it stir up within you its intended call to speak the truth… stand for the truth… live the truth – individually and corporately because we are his glad people.

Hear Fernando Ortega Sing This Hymn