Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.
Daily Devotional For November 8, 2025
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The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, the one sitting on the throne, saying, “Amen, Hallelujah!” And a voice went out from the throne, “Praise our God, all his servants, and those who fear Him both small and great.” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, and the sound of mighty waters, and the sound of loud thunderings, saying, “Hallelujah, because the Lord God Almighty has begun to reign.” Rev 19:4-6.
The worship in this text is grounded in God’s marvelous deliverance of His people from End-time Babylon (Rev 19:1-2). In Revelation 4 and 5, worship takes place in response to creation and the cross. In the Old Testament, worship was grounded on God’s mighty action in the Exodus. True worship is always about an awareness of the mighty things that God has done for you. And the result of true worship is tangible. When we remember and recite what God has done, His mighty power is rekindled in us and our lives are changed.
There is one Old Testament text that unpacks this in detail, 2 Chronicles 20:1-23. The Israelites are under attack, they are outnumbered three to one. The enemy army has already crossed the Dead Sea (so much for natural barriers) and is less than 30 miles from Jerusalem. King Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and rises up in the temple courts to lead the prayers.
Now if you were in his shoes what would you pray about? “Oh Lord, help us! Do something, please! We’re in big trouble!” Prayers get real focused when you are about to die! But Jehoshaphat’s actual prayer doesn’t sound desperate at all. He doesn’t whine and beg. He just rehearses the actions of God in the past. He reminds God of the Exodus and how God had promised the land to the Israelites forever (2 Chr 20:6-9). He puts God on the spot. “These nations wouldn’t even exist if You hadn’t spared them at the time of the Exodus!” 2 Chr 20:10-12. Through a prophet, God assures him not to worry about the battle, God will fight for them.
So what does Jehoshaphat do? He sends out the temple choir to lead the army into battle! 2 Chron 20:22-23. And the enemy is destroyed. What was the choir singing that day? It wasn’t “Trust and Obey!” They were singing, “Give Thanks to the LORD, For His Love Endures Forever.” They were rehearsing the mighty acts of God. They were focused on God, not on the problem.
And what happened when they rehearsed the mighty acts of God in their past? The power of the original act was rekindled in their midst. The power of the Exodus became a living presence among them. The result was another mighty act of God to celebrate in the future!
Lord I’m grateful for all that You have done for me in Christ. I desire to experience His resurrection power in my life today.