Colossians 1:13 - “God has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” 

During a trip to a church in Arizona several years ago, we wanted several teenagers to pose with us for a “group photograph.”  At our first request, they were a little hesitant.  But, after being told that this picture would be put in our newsletter that would go all over the world, they quickly got in position.  I asked one of them what caused such a sudden change of mind.  The answer?  They didn’t know what a “big picture” they would be in! 

When you read Colossians 1:13-14, you are looking at God’s “big picture!”  What will take the “hesitation” out of you to respond?  Look closely as God Himself shows you that you are not only  reading about the biggest thing that has ever been done, YOU ARE IN THE PHOTO! 

It’s more than what God has done in Christ  ....it’s what God has done in Christ for you !  It is the “gift of God”!  Gifts are always for somebody else.  God so loved the world that He gave...  and you are the recipient of the gift! 

When you read the Bible and see yourself in the “group photo” of redemption in Christ, it changes the way you see your life.  You are a part of God’s BIG Answer!  

Keep looking at the picture until you see yourself in it!  The Devil is a deceiver and He wants you to think that you missed the photo day.  He will try and tell you that by your name the caption reads, “photo missing.”  But, praise God, you had someone who was there for you - who stood in your place and did it for you  ....Jesus Christ !  “In Him, we have our redemption!”