Matthew 27:26

“Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.”

There are many ways to die, but we all fear the slow torturous type of death. While we all know that we will die one day, most men secretly desire to die in a peaceful non-painful way. However, the place and the way we will die are not in our hands. Only God has the final word on where and how we die. We need to trust His good will.

Jesus had to die, and He had agreed to die, but the death process was not straightforward. Apart from the horror and shame of public execution through the slow and painful death of crucifixion, He had to also endure Roman scourging before He would get to the cross. “O, Father! Wasn’t the public death on the cross enough to atone for the sins of mankind? Why did You have to put Jesus also through the agony of beating and scourging?” I can’t understand all the mysteries of God, but I know God always does what’s perfect. He knows the best and right way for me to approach death, and I need to trust Him completely even in this.

“Father, I don’t understand You, but I trust You. Whatever means and process You choose for my death, I know You will give me the grace to go through it. Since You helped Jesus through the scourging pathway to the cross, You will see me through whatever You have ordained for me. Grace Lord. Grace. Amen.”