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 March 29, 2026

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As many as I love I reprove and discipline, be earnest, therefore, and repent. Rev 3:19.

           We live in a world where counseling and psychology have taught us all to be gentle with other people in recognition of our common suffering. We see people’s misbehavior more as sickness than as sin. And it is certainly true that all of us have been victimized to some degree. But the spiritual outcome of this approach can be an unwillingness to hear rebuke, even when it comes from the mouth of Jesus Himself. We don’t want to hear from a God who will speak harshly to us. But the fact is that Jesus confronts those He loves, and He often confronts hard. Genuine confrontation can save a lot of heartache. Let me illustrate.
           The lead elements of the German army crest the hill. Below them lies the Rhine river, deep with runoff from melting snow. Even at this distance, the German troops’ presence violates the Versailles Treaty of 1918. In the turret of the lead tank, the commander halts the column and scans into the distance. The French gun emplacements on the opposing shore remain silent.
           The column moves forward slowly, listening for the first sounds of incoming artillery. The tanks make their way down to the waterfront, and deploy without incident. Unwilling to start a war, the French do nothing. Only years later, after the end of the war, will the Allies discover Hitler’s secret orders for the troops occupying the Rhine valley on that March morning in 1936: At the first sign of French resistance, the Germans were commanded to beat a hasty retreat.
           We’ll never know for sure, but perhaps World War II could have been averted if the French had resisted that day. With his reputation damaged by the fiasco, the generals might not have been so cooperative with Hitler. Millions of lives might have been saved had Hitler discovered in 1936 that he would be held to account for violations of the peace.
           Allied leaders feared armed conflict, but they failed to avoid it, it was likely made much worse by their inaction. Neither the German people nor the leaders of their armed forces were prepared for war at the time. Hitler would have been forced to back down. His army at that time was no match for the French alone, much less the combined weight of the Allies. The prestige he gained, the influence with both the German people and the general staff, and the knowledge that the Allies were too fearful to confront him, gave Hitler the opportunity to increase his armed forces, and make several conquests through sheer intimidation. By the time war came, Hitler’s forces were much stronger, and he was able to initiate hostilities at the time of his choosing. Postponing confrontation only made the conflict more severe.¹

           Lord, thank You for the many times You have confronted me through Your Word and through other people. I choose to be more receptive in the future.

¹ Based on actual events as described by Ed Dickerson in an unpublished manuscript entitled The ABCs of Nurture, 94-96.