What Fuels My Passion for Christ? Holy, Holy, Holy

Again, a great privilege to be here. In Peru we have a saying which basically means “the mind can only comprehend what the seat can bear.” I’m going to try to be brief, although it’s probably not going to happen.

One of the things that has become so dear to me over the years is the study of those men of old in the Christian ministry—men who had the privilege to study and to obey the Lord more deeply than we often do today. They thought great thoughts about God, and over the years one of the greatest movers in my life has, of course, been Scripture and the great thoughts about God that it inspires.

As I listened to the sermon today, something was shared that reminded me of the “father’s bargain” as recorded by John Flavel. It goes like this:

You may suppose the Father to say, “My son, here is a company of poor, miserable souls that have utterly undone themselves and now lie open to my justice. Justice demands satisfaction for them, or it will satisfy itself in their eternal ruin. What shall be done for these souls?”

And thus Christ returns. Now Christ speaks, “My Father, such is my love and pity for them that rather than they perish eternally, I will be responsible for them as their guarantee. Bring in all thy bills that I may see what they owe thee. Lord, bring them all in, that there may be no after reckonings with me; at my hand shall thou require it. I will rather choose to suffer their wrath than they should suffer it upon me.”

Then the Father responds, “But my son, if thou undertake for them, thou must reckon to pay the last. I expect no abatements. If I spare them, I will not spare thee.”

And the Son answers, “Let it be so; charge it all upon me. I am able to discharge it.”

This passage and the thoughts of Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon remind us that Christ delighted in the prospect of eternal salvation, even in the face of suffering. It is not man that seeks salvation from God; rather, it is as if the Eternal God Himself pleads for His creatures to be saved.

Jesus Christ did not come into the world to be sought after, but to seek that which was lost. This truth compels us to read good books, dwell upon great truths, and to let our lives be defined by the revelation of God’s character as seen in Jesus Christ. We often consume low things, but as children of God, we are called to be noble and high-thinking.

Later in the sermon, I reflected upon Isaiah chapter 6, describing a vision where Isaiah sees the Lord seated on a lofty throne, His robe filling the temple, and the seraphim with six wings. They cover their faces and feet—not to hide, but in reverence, acknowledging their own creatureliness in the presence of the divine.

This vision reminds us that while we may catch a glimpse of God’s glory, it is always beyond our full comprehension. As John Calvin and others have noted, no man can see the essence of God. Yet, in that “small glimpse” lies enough to occupy the heart and mind of a scholar for all eternity.

Christ’s divine nature is affirmed as the same glory that Isaiah saw is later declared by John as the glory of the Son of God. The scripture teaches us that Jesus is not just a man, but equal with the Father—redeeming us and revealing God’s glory through His sacrifice.

Preaching, then, is not merely the communication of morality or an intellectual exercise. It is an attempt to paint a picture of Jesus Christ—a task that is as daunting as it is vital. It requires us to continually seek after God’s face, to be filled by His glory, and to let that revelation transform our lives.

We must not trade the priceless, transformative presence of Christ for temporary entertainments or mere scientific pursuits. True passion for God is demonstrated by a heart that burns for His glory—a heart that is willing to be frustrated and challenged, knowing that every trial is a reminder of our need for Him.

The seraphim, in their ceaseless worship (“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts”), remind us that our highest calling is to worship and acknowledge the unique, transcendent holiness of God. Their covering of faces and feet teaches us the importance of humility and reverence in His presence.

In conclusion, the overwhelming vision of God’s glory calls us to a deeper, more passionate relationship with Him. It challenges us to set aside trivial pursuits and to fix our eyes on the eternal, unchanging majesty of Christ. Let us then be transformed by His presence, embracing the truth that eternal life is not just about living forever—it is about knowing Him.

May we each learn to behold the infinite and unsearchable beauty of His glory, and may our lives reflect the passion and holiness that only come from an encounter with the Divine.