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 January 21, 2026

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And I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I had turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man, dressed in a foot-length robe and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. Rev 1:12-13.

           We noticed yesterday that the concept of a “son of man” in the midst of the golden lampstands echoes images of the Old Testament covenant. A major aspect of OT covenant resembles what we could call a contract today. In a “covenant” two parties enter into a relationship of some kind; to build a house, to get married, to go to school. All these things involve a relationship between people or between a person and an institution.
           An interesting aspect of the Old Testament covenant is the part about “blessings” and “curses” (see Deuteronomy 28, for example). While such language sounds strange in the secular environment of today’s world, the idea behind it is not. Let me illustrate.
           A few years back the bridge collapsed in my home town. It was a terrible thing for the community because it turned the downtown business section into a dead-end street. And that pretty much destroyed the downtown economically. The merchants no longer had customers. Not only that, it became necessary to travel anywhere from seven to fifteen miles out of our way in order to cross a river only a few dozen feet wide.
           The situation was so desperate that when a contract was made for a new bridge, the community leaders said, “You must put a date in that contract.” The date was set for May 26, about nine months later. The community leaders put “blessings and curses” in the contract. For every day that the bridge was finished ahead of schedule, $10,000 extra dollars would be placed in the builders’ pockets. And for every day that completion was late, $10,000 would be deducted from their final payment. You know what? The bridge was finished on May 1, 26 days early!
           The good news of the gospel, however, is that God in Christ has already met the obligations of the covenant at the cross and the resurrection. (Acts 13:32-33; 2 Cor 1:20). For those in relationship with Jesus, the covenant contains nothing we need to fear. The promises of God are all freely available in Christ. We can have security in our relationship with Him.
           Many Christians are insecure. They don’t know if they have done enough or if they are right with God. To them, Jesus says, “I am here among you.” Are these churches perfect? Have they done all the right things? No. It’s very clear that they are fallible, make mistakes, and, in some ways, are even turning away from Jesus. Yet He continues to walk among those lampstands as the faithful God of the covenant Who is there for His people.

           Lord, I believe that Your sacrifice is sufficient to save me. Make this concept real to me today.