John 19:1-3

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. - John 19:1-3

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I flagellate myself emotionally for my sins. I recount them over and over and get embarrassed even with no one else around. When I get in that vicious cycle there's no relief and seems to be no way out. But in this little account of how they beat you over and over, I see my relief. It brings me great pain to know that it was my sins for which your Father allowed you to be beaten. But along with my pain over yours, there's relief. I can let go of my sins now. Miraculously, that beating counts for all the punishment my sins deserve. I'm forgiven and there's no more need for anyone to punish me for those wrongs. I'm deeply sorry that on this day you went through that horrible suffering and death. But I also have joy. My sin and the death it causes me, is defeated. I can truly live in peace, joy and hope of an everlasting and happy life. This Friday is Good Friday because you entered the center of the storm for all of us and came out the victor!

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Good Friday is the most horrible wonderful day of the year.