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 31, 2026

View in the Daily Devotional Index

The one who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come Lord Jesus. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with everyone. Rev 22:20-21.

           A woman once wrote to the famous columnist Ann Landers about the “best experience of her life.” It happened on a bus in New York City. “It was a cold, rainy night–and also my birthday. . . . Having just moved from Phoenix to New York, I was feeling miserable; homesick and alone in the big city. I boarded a crowded bus at Columbus Circle. The only seat left was at the back, behind the other bored and cold commuters, next to an elderly man.”
           She sat down feeling quite dejected. She was surprised when the elderly man turned to her and said, “You look so sad. What’s wrong?”
           Touched by the concern of this stranger, she poured out her heart and ended up sobbing. She finished saying, “I’m homesick and cold. It’s my birthday and nobody cares!”
           As her tears continued to flow, the entire bus became quiet. Then the man began to sing: “Happy birthday to you. . .” Several people joined him, until soon everyone one on the bus was singing, “Happy birthday dear _____, happy birthday to you!”
           Applause and laughter erupted.
           The woman concluded her account to Ann Landers, “I was showered with good wishes and warm smiles all the way to my stop at 72nd and Broadway. It was the best birthday present I’ve ever received.”
           There is a healing quality in compassion. This story of a lonely woman demonstrates that an act of compassion will soothe pain, heal hurt, ease fear, soften a blow and relieve anxiety. Our world always needs compassionate people–those who have an awareness of the suffering of others and who also have the willingness to relieve it.¹
           Our journey through the book of Revelation has been a rollicking ride filled with war, famine, pestilence, wild beasts, earthquakes and scorching fire. Through it all we have tried to maintain a focus on the book’s primary theme, the revelation of Jesus Christ. The plagues of the book are a demonstration of His power to save. So it is not totally out of character for an action/adventure book like Revelation to end with grace. Grace is a special manifestation of the divine presence and power, an expression of kindness, mercy and good will. An excellent translation would be “healing compassion,” the very thing the woman on the bus received.
           As the book of Revelation draws to a close, I invite you to drink in the healing compassion of Jesus Christ. Let him heal your wounds, soothe your hurts, and affirm your value as a person. There is no better friend in need.

           Lord, thank You for Your overwhelming grace. I accept it with my whole heart.

¹ Victor Parachin, “Healing Compassion,” Signs of the Times (Australian), August, 2003, 17-18.