Our trip to Italy included the worst crowds we’ve ever experienced. Actually, our day sardined at the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris, brooks no rival. But don’t imagine for one moment that heaven has gotten so congested that a ‘No Vacancy’ sign hangs on its gates. No way. Lots more room than one cult’s mistaken restrictions on the 144,000 symbolic number. More room than ever. There’s so much. Plenty of it, for you and me!

Good news, yes? But hold your horses. Don’t I need extra academic degrees to hang on my heavenly office walls? Some connections and pedigree? Having been more good than bad? You’d think so, wouldn’t you? Some unnoticed fine print in your Bible?

Not really, except for being one of Jesus’ own. Committed to Him. Giving your heart to the Lord in trust and love. That’s it. Complete. Buttoned up. A wrap. As the Brits say, ‘And Bob’s your uncle!’

If you don’t feel qualified or good enough to be a Christian, then read our Bible section in Mark chapter 3, where Jesus calls His twelve apostles. They’re handpicked and favored. They didn’t apply for the job. He chose them.

And what a motley crew. All laymen. No Bible scholars. No university or seminary degree holders. No Pharisees or scribes who, in Jesus’ day, really knew their Old Testament. Four were fishermen. One, a hated tax collector. Another, a former member of a murderous terrorist organization. Those remaining, we know almost nothing about except their names. One even betrays Jesus. Yikes? Don’t you wonder about His choices?

Then again, what about me? And you? What do we have to offer Him? I’m no great writer. Never a Billy Graham. No missionary in my family. Not a billionaire or a celebrity. None of the above.

But, guess what? I don’t need any of that. Neither do you. Might even be better, as the Lord uses the foolish things of this world for His glory–‘But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong’ (1 Cor. 1: 27). Did you hear that? Sounds hopeful, doesn’t it? Food for thought? Agreed?

Well, there you have it. If that motley crew became Jesus’ followers and worshippers, and turned the world upside down, then there’s room for me…and you. Jesus is the key to the city as His angels roll out the red carpet! Welcome!

Thank you, Jesus, for providing a wonderful place for me in your growing family of faith. Amen.