Sunday Devotion- Crawl-ins Welcome

Janet Rubin


Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but I love reading signs and bumper stickers. Being a bit "wordy" myself, I'm often amazed how much can be packed into so few words- humor, cynicism, a powerful message. One of my recent favorites is the fishermens' twist on the "Got Milk?" slogan. They've got a bumper sticker that says, "Gut Fish?" Another all-time favorite of mine is the one that says, "What if the Hoky Poky is what it's all about?" (Thank God, it isn't!)


But it was a sign that got me thinking recently. I pass a chiropractor's office in my daily travels. They just put up a new sign by the road. On it is a picture of a stick figure person on all fours, and instead of "walk-ins welcome," it reads, "crawl-ins welcome." Isn't that great?


I thought it would be a great sign to put up in front of a church. People shouldn't have to have it all together to come to church. They come to be healed, touched, restored. Walk-ins welcome, Crawl-ins welcome, drag-ins welcome. Even the ones we have to carry in. Amen?


My pastor says church is like a hospital. You don't come because you are healthy. You come because you are sick and need healing. So we shouldn't be surprised when the people around us are bleeding and vomiting and crying. We should be glad they are in a place where there is help.


I have a terrible habit of shying away from the throne when I'm messed up, feeling that I need to fix myself before I can be with God. But Jesus wants to meet us right where we are. And without an encounter with Him, there is no healing. Are you hurting today? Get yourself to Jesus. Walk, crawl, or just cry out. You are welcome.

Lord, Thank You for welcoming us, whatever shape we're in. You are the Healer. May you sprinkle this message into our stories: "All are welcome." Amen.


Matthew 9:12 " Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."