Since Jesus Passed By
1. Waking Up With A Song In My Heart
I closed our last devotional asking, "What's Next?" As I waited to drift off to sleep last night I kept praying and asking God to show me our new direction for the next devotionals. I often wake up singing a song, and it's almost like I am dreaming and singing at the same time, because the music is real in my ears and the words are real. This morning I woke up with these words in my heart and mind, "Since Jesus passed by, Since Jesus passed by, Oh, what a difference, Since Jesus passed by!" There have been a few events that made a big difference in my life. Getting married to Michael made a change 41 years ago. Having children definitely made a difference. But nothing can compare with the difference Jesus made when He saved me. "Oh, what a difference, Since Jesus passed by!"
2. Since Jesus Passed By My Blinded Eyes Can See
"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth." (John 9:1) John tells us that when Jesus passed by He healed a blind man and opened his eyes so he could see. That is just what Jesus did for me! I didn't know how to go to heaven. But when the Lord knocked on the door of my heart, and showed me that I was lost and on my way to hell, I cried and prayed to Him to save me. As I believed in my heart and asked Him to forgive me, He saved me! Jesus showed me the way to have everlasting life. Suddenly the burden and fear of my sin was gone. William J. Gaither must have felt the same way when he wrote this verse to the song in 1965.
Since Jesus Passed By
"Like a blind man I wandered
So lost and undone
A beggar so helpless
Without God or His Son
Then my Savior in mercy
Heard and answered my cry
And oh what a diff'rence
Since Jesus passed by"
3. Oh What A Difference Since Jesus Passed By
It is wonderful to see a difference in the life of a person who gets saved. I was only about eight years old, but I can remember the peace that came over my soul after I prayed and asked Jesus to save me. One minute I was crying and full of fear about where I would spend eternity, and the next minute I was calm and thankful to Jesus as He became my Lord, and my Savior. I cannot tell you how He saved me. And I can't tell you why He loved me so much to die for me. But I can tell you that He made a difference in my life. Has Christ made a difference in your life? If Jesus has never made a change in your life, you may want to ask Him to show you if you are one of His children. When He saves you, He will make a difference in your life, as you turn to Him, and turn away from your sinful life.
Let's move on to the chorus of this sweet old song.
"Since Jesus passed by
Since Jesus passed by
Oh what a diff'rence
Since Jesus passed by
Well I can't explain it
And I cannot tell you why
But oh what a diff'rence
Since Jesus passed by"
4. My Sins Are Gone Since Jesus Passed By
We are born in sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) And without Jesus we would die in our sin, and have to suffer the conquences throughout all of eternity. But, praise the Lord we can have forgiveness through Christ! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) A tremendous part of being saved is being able to unload the guilt of our sin. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) That is as far away as you can get! Not only has God taken away our sin, but He also promises that He will not even remember our sin against us, because Jesus paid the debt for our sin. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12) When we carry around the guilt of our sin, we are burdened low beneath the heaven weight because we feel unclean. We can praise the Lord that He also cleanses us from our sin. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) All because Jesus passed by!
"Since Jesus Passed By" by William Gaither
verse 2
"All my yesterdays are buried
In the deepest of the sea
That old load of guilt I carried
It's all gone, praise God I'm free
Looking for that bright tomorrow
Where no tears will dim the eye
And oh what a diff'rence
Since Jesus passed by"
5. Since Jesus Passed By I Am A Child Of The King
(I am praying for our Pastor Jack Tripp as he recovers from the flu.) Preacher Paul Mistian preached a great sermon Sunday about Mephibosheth. King David asked if there were any of the house of Saul that he could show kindness to for Jonathan's sake. (Our heavenly Father shows us kindness for His Son, Jesus' sake.) And Ziba, a servant of the house of Saul, told the king that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth. He was lame on both his feet because when the news came of Saul and Jonathan a nurse took him up to flee and he fell. (II Samuel 4:4) King David sent and had Mephibosheth brought to the palace. "Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually." (II Samuel 9:6-7) (When we meet the Lord Jesus, we bow before Him just as Mephibosheth fell on his face before the king.) The king sought him, and brought him, to eat at his table with his sons. Jesus sought me, and brought me into His family, and now I can sit at His table because I am a child of the King. God adopted me into His family and I am His child.
"4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:4-7)
6. The Lord Passed By With A Still Small Voice
After I went to bed Monday night, a little after 12:30, I heard a "boom" and felt the house shake. I thought that maybe a large tree had fallen and I got up and looked out the windows of the house. I was relieved that I couldn't see any damage. Tuesday morning I learned that it was an earthquake. We don't have many earthquakes in North Carolina, but this is the second time I have felt one. With this recent experience, I was reminded of the story of Elijah. We saw last week how the Lord told Elijah what was next in his life, but today I want to look at another aspect of these verses. Earthquakes, strong winds, and fire are big and people notice them. Sometimes people want big things to happen in their churches so that people will notice. But, when the Lord passed by Elijah, He wasn't in the noticeable earth-moving elements. He spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. Let's read God's Word and listen for the still small voice of the Lord, and we won't have to look for Him in the spectacular events. And if we are living for the Lord, people will notice.
"11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" (I Kings 19:11-13)
7. Since Jesus Passed By I Have Seen His Goodness
It began with a little prayer, "God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him, For our food. By His hands we are fed, Give us Lord, our daily bread." I was learning of the goodness of God, as soon as I was big enough to fold my hands together. Our Bible reference today takes place after the Children of Israel made the golden calf, and Moses came down from Mount Sinai and broke the tables of stone. Exodus 33:11 begins, "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." In the verses that follow it does indeed seem as though two friends are talking, face to face. Moses had to be discouraged by the sinfulness of the people and he is overwhelmed by his task. He finally cries out to God, "Shew me thy glory." And the Lord replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee... Behold, there is a place by me," I hope you will read the scriptures below. Our encouraging words today are, God is great, God is good! And also, He has a place for us, by Him. Hallelujah!
"12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen." (Exodus 33:12-23)
"4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;...
8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped." (Exodus 34:4-8)
8. Since Jesus Passed By I Have A Bigger Family
I grew up with three sisters. I always wanted a big family, and having five children was just right! Our children added spouses to our family, and 11 grandchildren. I enjoy having a big family. But, that's not all. Since Jesus passed by and saved me, I have an even bigger family. There are many in our church that are just like brothers and sisters. We worship and fellowship together and I have a great love for them. They are children of God, just like I am, and that does make us brothers and sisters in Christ. I also have brothers and sisters in Christ that I have never met. I email back and forth with some wonderful people through these devotionals, and praying for them makes me feel close to them, although I have never seen them. There are lots of examples like this I could talk about, but I will mention just one more. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that "we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,..." (Hebrews 1:12) And all those men and women and children who have died and gone on to heaven are also part of my family in Christ. And when I get to heaven I will live with Jesus and enjoy getting to know more about all the family I have through Him. It will be great to talk to Noah, Moses, and David, and the prophets like Daniel and Isaiah. I want to visit with Ruth, Mary and Martha, and some of the women who lived for the Lord. And most of all, I want to see Jesus, my Lord and Savior who has given me all these wonderful people in my life.
"28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (Mark 10:28-30)
9. Since Jesus Passed By He Remembers Me
Sometimes when I am out and about I see someone and I think, "She looks familiar, but I don't remember who she is." Or, I may see a young man and remember that he played ball with my boys, but I can't remember his name. I just finished reading the book of Nehemiah and three times he prayed, "Remember me, O my God..." He actually closes the book, "Remember me, O my God, for good." (Nehemiah 13:31) The Lord does remember us, as we see in His words on the cross.
"39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)
He asked the Lord to remember him and Jesus promised that he would be with Him that day in paradise. John also assures us that Jesus knows us, and we are safe in His hand.
"14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:14-16 & 27-29)
When Jesus was teaching His followers about false prophets He warned them that only those who trust in Him for salvation will enter into heaven. Be sure that you know the Lord, and He knows you.
"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)
10. Since Jesus Passed By I Have A Song In The Night
Michael helped me till my garden spot Friday and Saturday, and by the time I went to bed, I was tired and weary. Sometimes I get discouraged, or overwhelmed, and I struggle and make it through the day, but then when I lay down at night it hits me like a load of bricks. We may be sad or lonely, and the darkness of the night makes it worse and we lie in bed, just waiting, hoping that we can soon fall asleep. Jesus can help us through these hard times and give us a song in the night. He can relieve our fears and cast out our doubts. When my soul is troubled and my heart is heavy, I try to turn my thoughts away from my sorrows, and start thanking God for His goodness. When my body is tired and aching I thank the Lord for the comforts of my bed. I thank Him for the roof over my head and my home. I start thanking God for my family, one by one, as I lift up their names in prayer. I look up to the ceiling, and even in the darkness, I can see the blades of the fan overhead, and it looks like a cross, and I thank Jesus for dying for me and saving me. By that time my heart is full, and overflows in the tears that roll down my cheeks, and the Lord gives me a song in the night. He gives me comfort so that I can sleep, and I often wake up singing. Just the other morning I awoke with the song in my head, "I Can Trust Jesus." I don't know how people calm their fears enough to sleep, when they don't have the peace that only God can give. Tonight, after you lay down, try thanking God for His goodness, and trust Him for your song in the night. "Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." (Psalm 42:8) "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)
11. Since Jesus Passed By I Decided To Follow Him
When I was saved at such a young age I didn't know much about what it meant to be a Christian. I knew that I was going to heaven, and that was enough at that time. My parents were both Christians and good examples at home, and in taking me to church. They taught me Bible stories and how to pray. They lived like Christians in giving to others and being helpful and friendly to everyone. I learned to follow Jesus, by following them. It is important that we follow the Lord and live for Him because there are others who are watching our lives and following our example. Our verse today is Mark 2:14. "And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him." Levi, or Matthew, decided immediately that he wanted to follow Jesus when He passed by. I want to follow Jesus and be faithful to Him, because He loved me enough to die for me. I believe that we become more like those we follow. Have you decided to follow Him?
12. Since Jesus Passed By My Sins Are Washed As White As Snow
Friday and Saturday Michael and I tilled a space for the garden and it was around 75 degrees. Sunday it was a little windy and cooler, but even that did not prepare me to see the snow falling for several hours on Tuesday. The snow always brings Isaiah 1:18 to mind, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This means I can have peace in my heart knowing my sins are forgiven and I don't have to worry about the sins in my past. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that "...all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." but He gives us assurance in 61:10. "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10) And because my sins are washed as white as snow and I am clothed in His righteousness, I can go to heaven and live throughout eternity with my Lord and Savior and my Almighty Holy God.
13. Since Jesus Passed By I See Salvation In The Cross
Elsa and Jedidiah came home with us after church Sunday night. We pulled out the sleeper sofa and Michael told them a Bible story and let them watch a few cartoons while I typed on my devotions for Monday. When I was finished I went back to the living room with them. As Elsa was lying down she looked up and pointed to the ceiling and said, "That fan looks like a cross." I said, "That is what I just put in my devotions. How did you know that?" She just turned four, and even at such a young age, she has learned the importance of the cross. It is getting close to Easter, and we will see bunnies and baskets filled with eggs and candy, but let us keep our focus on the real meaning of Easter. Our real reminders of Easter are the cross and the empty tomb. Jesus died a cruel death on the cross, choosing to give Himself to save me. When I see a cross, I see the love of my Savior who gave His life, to give me life. He rose on the third day and is waiting in heaven to welcome me home.
"37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." (Matthew 27:37-42)
14. Since Jesus Passed By He Is Welcome In My Home
When I was very young I learned the song about Zacchaeus, the wee little man, who climbed up in a sycamore tree to see Jesus. "... And as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree, And He said, Zacchaeus, you come down, For I'm going to your house today." Luke 19:6 tells us that Zacchaeus "made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully." Since Jesus passed by where I was, and saved me, He has been welcome in my home. And I do what I can to make Him feel welcome. I try to keep my earthly home, as well as my bodily home, as pure as I can, because I want my Lord to abide with me in my house!
"1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:1-10)
15. Since Jesus Passed By He Is Preparing Me An Eternal Home
Jesus is not only welcome in our lives and homes after we are saved, but He is preparing a place to welcome us to live in heaven for eternity. We close this devotional theme with these encouraging words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:1-6)
Do you know the way to heaven? "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) We have all sinned and can't go to heaven in our sin. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die and pay for our sin. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) We can't get in to heaven by our good works. Jesus did all the work. We just have to believe on Him and confess our sin to Him and ask Him to save us. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart with conviction and urgency, please don't wait until it is too late to ask Jesus to save you. He is preparing a home in heaven for all those who trust in Him.
