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 December 21, 2025

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And there will be no curse there any more, and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will serve Him. Rev 22:3.

           Why will God’s people willingly serve Him for an eternity? They will serve Him, so to speak, because He first served them. Their service will arise out of the delight and joy they have found in the marvelous sacrifice of the Lamb.
           Socially isolated people tend to complain that they have received “the short end of the stick.” They feel that the people in their lives have done bad things to them. People tend to remember most either the very good things that happen to them (the long end of the stick) or the very bad things that happen to them (the short end of the stick). The beauty of service is that it extends to other people “the long end of the stick.” Service, therefore, has a powerful impact on the lives of others.
           Jim Park was reminded of the great power of service when he showed up at the Manila International Airport to take a flight to Guam. He had checked his baggage in and decided to visit the bathroom (they call it the “CR” or “comfort room” in the Philippines). Upon entering he was greeted by one of the attendants who was there to assist people as if it were the bathroom of a high-class hotel.
           When they saw each other, a strange look came over their faces, as if they had seen each other before. All of a sudden the attendant blurted out that he had met Jim two months earlier on a return trip from Bangkok. He had remembered that Jim was a missionary and had given him a nice tip as a reward for assistance.
           Now attendants like this see literally thousands of people every month. To remember one particular person in detail after a period of two months is an amazing thing. Jim was quite astounded for a moment. Then he remembered that after getting off the previous flight he had also visited the “CR.” The attendant had been kind enough to help Jim with some carry-on bags even though Jim had told him that he did not have any money to give him. Jim thanked him as he left and said he would be back to give him something after he got his checked luggage.
           He returned several minutes later and gave the attendant the 100 pesos (about $2.00) he had in his possession at the time. Apparently Jim’s faithfulness to his word and the generous tip were so memorable that he remembered Jim a couple of months later. Needless to say, on this return visit the attendant once again gave enthusiastic service. This time he passed the tip on to a friend who was working with him. That meant three people were very happy.¹

           Lord, today I will meet many people. Help me to prepare for the service of eternity by giving each one the “long end of the stick.”

¹ Based on an email from Jim Park, February 22, 2004.