God is Dead

“The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.” – Luke 23:55-56

It is Holy Saturday and today, I have all the answers. Today, I can see that violence will always decide who is right and who is wrong. Today, I can see that the tomb is victorious and the cradle empty. Today, I can see that only the dead moon looks down from Heaven and all my prayers are wasted breath. Today, I can see the tomb of hope and I can see the way that the world killed Him. Today, I can see that what has been shall determine what will be.

Today, I can see the oceans rise and I know the atmosphere will choke. Today I can see the fires of war and I know they will never stop burning.  Today, I can see the sick and I know they will always be degraded. Today, I can see the elders and I know they will always be warehoused without dignity. Today, I can see our children and I know they will always have to fight one another just to be able to survive.

Today, the most I can do is nothing at all. Today, I need God, and every scrap of reason I can muster tells me that God is not coming. Today, I know that there is nothing that tomorrow’s dawn will bring, other than more of the same tired old world. Today, I am tired of it all, because today I know that God is dead.

Prayer

God, I need you, but I’m not sure I believe.

About the Author
John Edgerton is Associate Pastor at Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts.