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 May 23, 2026

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After these things I looked carefully and a large multitude, which no one was able to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, was standing before the throne and before the Lamb, having dressed in white robes and having palm branches in their hands. Rev 7:9.

           The people of God incorporate a wide variety of ethnic, racial and national backgrounds. The presence in eternity of people from so many different backgrounds will certainly be a challenge. But this amazing melting pot will work because of the marvelous gospel of God’s grace to all, without exception.
           God’s people will model their treatment of others on God’s treatment of them. They will learn to appreciate the differences in others rather than feel threatened by them. In eternity, these differences will produce joy and excitement rather than conflict and irritation. It is people who differ from me that bring unique and enriching things into my life.
           The story is told of a water bearer in India who had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck.¹ One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot always delivered a full portion of water. At the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor, cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
           After 2 years the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. Because of my flaw the water leaks out along the path, I deliver only half a load, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
           The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”
           Each of us has our own unique flaws. But God can use our cracks and flaws to enrich others. And we can learn to appreciate their cracks and flaws as well. That’s what heaven will be like. And heaven will begin for us here to the extent that we appreciate the difference God’s variety makes in our lives. After all, if God had made us all the same, how boring would that be?

           Lord, may I see the beauty that You see in the incredible diversity of Your creation. Help me to transform irritations into joy and differences into blessings.

¹ Dan Millen, email, April 28,2002.