Imagine for a second that you are like a little toy dog being sold at a yard sale. This little toy dog hasn’t seen much love. It’s scuffed up, faded from being left out in the sun, and is missing an ear. It sits all alone, away from all the newer and better toys.

No one comes near. No one is even remotely interested in this little toy dog. If they really wanted a dog, they could get a real one that could run and play and bark and fetch. Even if they didn’t want a real dog, they could still get a toy dog that at least barked and sat up on command. This toy dog doesn’t do anything but sit.

Anyone who saw this toy dog would think it was destined for the dumpster. Already, the price has dropped on the little toy dog three times and still no one has even come over to look at it, much less make an offer.

But wait. An old man slowly shuffles over to the toy dog. He picks it up with hands calloused and worn from many years at his labor. He’s a toy maker and this little dog is one of his creations.

He pulls out a pen, turns over the little dog, and signs his name on the bottom. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a little toy dog ear and puts in on the little dog. He takes a little touch-up paint and brings back the color to the little toy dog’s face. He takes the little dog to the homeowner and says, “I will give you $1,000 for this little toy dog.”

“The price for this little dog is only 50 cents and no one would buy it even for that. Why are you willing to pay so much?”

“Because I made this little toy dog as a child and it means a lot to me and I want everyone here to know how much I value this little toy dog.”

Maybe you’re like that. You’re scuffed and scarred from the years with a few pieces missing. You’re alone and neglected and feel like you have nothing to offer that anyone wants. All anyone has ever done to you is call you names and mistreat you. You feel worthless.

What if the Creator of the Universe found you? What if He picked you up, turned you upside down, and showed you were He signed you? What if that meant that you weren’t worthless, but priceless?

Jesus has come to the yard sale of your life. He found you, bought you back with His own blood, and is transforming you into a glorioius new creation. I nor anyone else can tell you what you’re worth, because it’s beyond counting. You are priceless. You are brokenness becoming beautiful again. You are BELOVED.

That’s the truth, no matter what anyone else has told you. That’s what Jesus is telling you now

(Big thanks to Mike Glenn for inspiring this blog for the image of the Artist showing you where he signed you)