THE SIGNATURE!

“So when Jesus received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30. (NKJV).

“Grandfather, you look like the man in the painting.” He pointed to the portrait over the mantel.

“So I’ve been told. But this painting is my great-grandfather. See the style of clothes? I’m happy I didn’t have to wear that stiff collar.” He tugged at his neck, hacked a cough.

“Your hair and eyes are like his. But you don’t have a beard.”

“We know this is Great-Grandfather, but who is the artist?”

“Does it matter?” Timmy said.

“Absolutely. What if the artist didn’t like him, changed the shape of his nose or the color of his eyes?” Grandfather's left eyebrow arched. 

 "Wonder who painted it."

“I’ll get my magnifying glass.” Timmy stood on a stool, checked. “No signature.”

Grandfather removed the portrait. Name, date of birth, and date of death were neatly written on the back.  Michael Joseph Blackwell, b 13 April 1839, d  27 October 1897.

“How can we know for sure?” Timmy said.

“We’ll check the family records. Also, search the census records.”

“You know, Timmy, The Lord Jesus did the same for us. He said, ‘It is finished.’ He completed the work, our life picture, necessary for us to be in His family. For me. For you. And placed His signature for everyone to see." Timmy frowned.

"His signature?" 

"Nail-scarred hands. His nail-scarred hands so we’ll see the price He paid."

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus went to the cross for me. He paid for my sins with His shed blood. He loves me and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He extends His nail-scarred hands to you. Won’t you come to Him?