Amen

Amen means 'So be it'.

Said as a response it means accepting and acceding to whatever was said.

And mostly people now say it mechanically, ritualistically, and even foolishly, without any understanding of the meaning and import of concurrence by saying Amen.

And also we say Amen to only what we think is true and what we know, and maybe what we want to hear. Will we say Amen to something strange and painful?

Jacob and his sons took many many years before they could accept Joseph's dreams. They could not say Amen to God's revelation that they shall bow down to Joseph.

They cannot say Amen to that.

They cannot accede to the revealed will of God. They are unable to accept that somehow in the great mystery, wisdom and power of God, this was designed for their good and that it is the best thing that can happen to them.

Rather than see in the dream as God taking power - a power that does not respect kin - and giving it to Israel, they only interprete it in their selfish and limited context of familial politics.

And they turned jealous and themselves coveted the very power. Their sin have blinded them - and us too if we were in their shoes then, and now - and they are unable, or unwilling, to see beyond the obvious and ponder on the mystery and wisdom of God.

It was only after Joseph have demonstrated and exerted his power over them - a power that is able to destroy them totally, but in Joseph, has no such intent, but instead to be used unreservedly for their good - that Jacob and his sons realised the wisdom of God, and bowed down to Joseph, ruler of Egypt, in Amen.

Jesus said to him (Thomas), “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

[John 20:29] (NET Bible)

Footnote: Another view on 'What is Amen?'