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Night? Day? I could not tell. A shroud of darkness prevailed.

The ground before me appeared to be a soft, sandy loam. About fifty feet ahead lay an unending area of burning flames, its origin unknown. The lapping flames were not the typical orange, yellow, or even white-hot flames. They appeared almost an invisible bluish-black, as ebony flames of hell.

Some figures stood at the edge of the flames, talking. A thick veil of evil filled the air.

I was frightened. So frightened, I could not move. I could only watch what unfolded before me.

Out of the corner of my right eye, I could see a figure in a flowing, white robe slowly walking along, moving from my right to my left, at a distance between me and the line of flames. He said nothing. Never turning to look at me or the others, he walked with his eyes focused before him.

I knew in an instant it was Jesus. Every ounce of me wanted to reach out, to call to Him, to have Him stop and wait for me. But some unknown force held me in place. My feet felt shackled to the ground; my parched lips stuck together.

As Jesus moved almost out of the scene, it appeared He would leave me behind. He was going on without me. I ached to go with Him.

“Stop, Jesus! Don’t go without me! Jesus! Jesus!” the words finally blurted out.

He stopped. He turned and looked at me. Never saying a word. I could hear my own sigh of relief. All was well.

That was all. I woke up, frightened, yet relieved. Saddened, yet overjoyed. Tears would come later in the recall of this scene.

How many times each day does Jesus pass our way and, yet, we do not call out to Him? We are too busy, too preoccupied, too self-centered, trying to do our own thing, to go our own way.

Jesus says...

I passed your way today. You heeded Me not.

My child, you’ve called on My Name, needing help, guidance, or supply. I draw near in your times of need, but My Presence goes unnoticed.

I pass by, My Voice unheard. You pay more attention to pressing demands without realizing those demands would be met so much the readier if you only came to Me first, trusting Me to have My way.

I draw near to speak when your ears pulse with the deafening sound of raging storms. But you do not quiet yourself to hear My Still Small Voice.

I draw near when you heart is overwhelmed with stress, grief, or disappointment.

I so long to touch your fretted brow, to take your trembling hand and gently guide you, to wash your tired feet, to whisper comfort to your hurting soul, to supply your every need.

I am full of tenderness and care, forgiveness and love, strength and comfort, provision and peace.

I drew near to share it all with you today, but you were too busy. I passed by, undiscovered.

Oh, do not miss Me, My child. I am always near. Only a whisper away.

Jesus of Nazareth passed my way,
Redeemed me by his pow’r;
Oh, hear the cry, “he passeth by,”
Give him thy heart this hour.

~chorus of the 1897 hymn

Jesus of Nazareth Passed My Way

by John J. Hood

May you not miss His presence as He passes your way today.

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