Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Probably in the Top 10 of most well-known hymns, “Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber in the 1800’s. This is one of those songs that is often found in the first 10 pages of the hymnals. I think that is a commentary on the theological truth and power of this great hymn. Mr. Heber was a minister and served as Bishop of Calcutta. He died at the age of 43, and his death was mourned throughout the world. Approximately one year after his death, a collection of his hymns was published by his wife and friends. I found it interesting that this song was not necessarily that popular during his lifetime (since it was first published in a hymnal the same year as his death), and probably was sung very little prior to his death. It has been sung in the United States at least since 1850 when it was first published in a hymnal in this country.

Although this hymn remains popular in many churches today, I am fairly confident that it is not sung as often as it was 20 years ago, or 50 years ago, or maybe even 100 years ago. But I love what the Bible tells us about the phrase “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The Bible tells us that this phrase is said in Heaven around the clock. John tells us in Revelation 4:8 that the six-winged creatures cried out day and night saying ““‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Isaiah tells us in chapter 6 that he saw a vision of the Lord in heaven, and that the angels were saying “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah also tells us that at the sound of their praise, the doorpost and thresholds shook.

So you see, it doesn’t really matter how often we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” on
earth, we can rest assured that the angels are continually offering this praise to the Lord. But I do love the fact that when we are singing these words, we are praising in unison with the angels in Heaven. There aren’t too many songs that can make that claim, and I think that is really neat.

Couple of comments on the lyrics:

• “Reinforcement of the Doctrine of the Trinity” – This is probably one of the greatest hymns that reinforce the Biblical truth of God existing in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an essential doctrine. It is supported by Scripture. It is one of those concepts, however, that is true whether our human minds can fully comprehend it or not. Our ability, or inability, to fully understand and explain this doctrine does not, however, diminish it’s importance or it’s truthfulness.

• “Eye of sinful man” – In last week’s hymn (I am His and He is mine), I commented on the lyric “Christless eyes” and made the point that our eyes, our vision, our perception has been changed because we have been changed by the power of God’s grace. However, it doesn’t mean we have perfect vision. It doesn’t mean we can see the Lord’s will perfectly at all times. Our sinful eyes cannot see God’s glory. But one day, our bodies (including our eyes) will see Him face to face. We will behold His glory, and once again, we will praise Him saying “Holy, Holy, Holy!”

• “Only Thou art holy. There is none beside Thee” – I think this is another great spiritual truth reinforced in this song. Three times in the Book of Isaiah, God is speaking and makes the statement “I am and there is none besides me.” God is telling the people that the gods of this world are nothing. God has no rivals. He has no equals. He is supreme, and there is none beside Him. But, like the people of the Bible, we can unfortunately give “idols” priority and position over God in how we live our lives. We may not worship Gog and Magog. We may not bow down to Baal or Asherah, but we can do the same things by placing material things, jobs, fame, and families in a place of honor in our lives that should be reserved for only God. The verse of this hymn, and the words of Isaiah, are great reminders of this important, and practical truth.

There is a popular contemporary Christian group named “Casting Crowns” and there are several of their songs I really enjoy. I thought of this group when I reread verse two of this great hymn. The group’s inspiration for the name “Casting crowns” comes from Revelation 4:10. The Bible says ““The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created.” Here’s an excerpt from the group about the origin of their name:

“Casting Crowns is much more than a name. According to Revelation 4:10 it is a sacred act! We just read that the 24 elders will cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus. Why do they do this? Because their love for Jesus was more important than anything else; treasure, rewards, status, fame. God is so much more than their “go to guy” for help in sticky situations. He is their God and they are His people. And so are you and I.”

I hope that you can cast your crowns today at the feet of the only One that is three times Holy. That you can offer Him your treasure, reward, status, and fame. That you can lay all your trophies at His feet and worship Him for who He is and for what He is – Holy, Holy, Holy…Hallelujah!!!