When Jesus shines on us with his forgiveness, then we can do what we are made to do.

My solar calculator is truly a marvel. I still have one on my desk at home. It doesn’t have batteries, you can’t plug it in, and charging cables don’t tether it. It works wonderfully when light shines on it, but only when light shines on it! In the dark, this calculator can’t do a thing. It can’t even add 2 plus 2. But in the light, this calculator does exactly what it was made to do.

You and I are like solar calculators. In the darkness of sin and unbelief we’re completely useless pieces of junk. But when God turns on the Light of the world—when Jesus our Savior shines on us with the forgiveness he worked for us and the glorious life he secured for us—then, and only then, can we do what we are made to do.

“Jerusalem, get up and shine, because your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines on you” (Isaiah 60:1 NCV).

Isaiah tells us what we are made to do, what we are able to do, in Christ: We can shine the gospel light at the world so that other people can see Jesus too! “Jerusalem, get up and shine, because your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines on you. . . . Nations will come to your light; kings will come to the brightness of your sunrise” (Isaiah 60:1-3 New Century Version [NCV]).

Jesus says that he is the light of the world. He’s forever shining on you with warm love, steady forgiveness, and bright life. You can reflect his love today. You can share his forgiveness today.

Yes, you can shine today for Jesus’ sake!

Author: Jeffrey Schone
Volume 113, Number 05
Issue: May 2026