June: Planting the Apple Tree
For many years I’ve been a fan of pithy quotations. The ones which are completely applicable in any situation. One such quotation comes from Martin Luther, who said, “even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces. I would still plant my apple tree.” But what does that mean? There are likely a litany of interpretations one can apply. However, I found Luther’s point here is rooted in a genuine moral responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. News of an end should not deter us from doing what is right. Things happen, sometimes those things shock us into action only for us to realize we should have acted long ago. What action should we take? Plant your apple tree.
One of the most moving “plant your apple tree” stories in Scripture comes to us from Jesus. The Good Samaritan is a biblical story many of us are familiar with - its lesson is ubiquitous and timeless. Behind the ethereal question, “Who is my neighbor?”, comes a genuine desire to understand our own moral responsibility. The man who asked Jesus his question seemingly wanted to understand how hard he had to work. (Luke 10:29) Jesus did not fall for the duplicitous question, yet he never answers the question either. Instead, he gives this parable as an answer.
Luke 10:30-37
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
The priest and the Temple assistant - who one would expect to show mercy, did not. It was the unassuming, “despised” Samaritan, who would help. Not only was he the one to help but he never expected repayment or glory; he simply said, “take care of this man.” Whatever the cost was, the Samaritan was not concerned with anything but ensuring the stranger he met was going to make a full recovery. The Samaritan likely never saw the apples from the tree he planted. Yet sometimes that is how life is designed. We don’t get the glory, praise, or accolades of a good deed. We simply respond to the stirring of our hearts as the Holy Spirit moves us into compassion for our brothers and sisters.
Jesus’ response brings things to light even more. We know what being a neighbor entails. We understand that “neighbor” doesn’t always mean one who looks, acts, or thinks like us. Truthfully, it is often the opposite. We stand with our neighbors even though they might be not well liked. We help without assuming it’s someone else’s duty. This is what it means to be a neighbor. We plant our apple tree. Even if tomorrow, we sell the land on which it will grow.
Peace to you,
Rev. Taylor Kibler
