Scripture: Psalm 16; Daniel 12:1-3; Mark 13:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-25
Sermon Title: Plant An Apple Tree
Peace Lutheran Church
Sunday, November 17th, 2024
Introduction —
We are infatuated with making predictions.
Regardless of the arena, we treat our predictions like they’re the “golden standard” for living.
What’s the meterologist predicting for the weather this weekend?
“The weather man said it was going to be cold and snowy!
There wasn’t a single snowflake today! What in the world is going on?!”
Which team is predicted to win the Superbowl?
Which musician, producer, or actor/actress is predicted to win the grammy, golden globes, or oscar awards?
We make bold predictions. We put flawed people on pedestals who also make bold predictions. To be honest–I’m concerned that we value the bold predictions of sinners more than we value Heaven’s way, truth, and life–Jesus Christ.
Might this–obsession with prediction making–be our golden calf today?
It wouldn’t be the first time, nor will it be the last.
Let me give you some examples.
*These predictions were meant by people who were considered trustworthy.
Inventor Lee DeForest claimed that, “While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility.”
(Boy oh boy! Television! How many times I wish DeForest was actually right!)
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, in 1943 said, “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
The Decca Recording Co. made this big mistake: “We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” That was their prediction in 1962 concerning a few lads form Liverpool. Their band was called the Beatles (Bedrock faith, www.sermons.com).
Honestly–our bold predictions–whether they are religious-based, politically-based, entertainment-based–you name it–our futile predictions–are about as reliable as the autumn leaves–inevitably changing and falling to the ground–where they will be swept up and thrown out.
Biblically-speaking–whether we are talking about King David’s generation (from Psalm 16), Daniel’s generation, Jesus’ generation, or our generation–nobody is immune from depending on flawed predictions instead of trusting in/depending on the holy Gospel–the Good News of Jesus Christ–set apart–by God–that changes our lives forever.
Look at the dialogue Jesus had with His disciples in Mark 13.
(By the way, this important conversation happened shortly before Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.)
As Mark’s gospel says, “They told Jesus, ‘Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!’”
Stop right there.
At this point in Mark’s gospel (the other gospel writers mention this too)–the disciples assumed–they predicted that–because of their immense temple and other magnificient buildings that King Herod built–there was nothing that could stop them.
Additionally, it was common knowledge for Jesus’ countrymen to picture their Messiah as this Shining Knight in mighty armor who would annhiliate their corrupt enemies–the Romans.
But we need to ask this important question:
Is this the holy Gospel–the Good News of Jesus Christ–Heaven’s only true Warrior–who conquered the greatest enemy–Satan, condemnation, sin, separation from God, and death?
Look at the text again. Jesus crushed the disciples’ dilusional, hopeless predictions–not only about the temple but also about the purpose of Heaven’s only Messiah–the eternal Savior of the world: “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Peter, James, John, Andrew, and company would have been shocked! Their mouths would have hit the floor!
Why?
Imagine this! The smallest stones that were used to build the magnificent temple and other buildings weighed 2 to 3 tons. Many of them weighed 50 tons. For instance, the largest remaining stone, a huge piece of the Wailing Wall, is 39 feet in length and nearly 10 feet high–weighing hundreds of tons.
Also, the walls of these magnificent structures towered over the Holy City. One location stood over 400 feet. Then, there was 45 acres of bedrock underneath, that could easily hold 250,000 people on the inside.
To give you an idea of how huge that temple area was–“The Big House” in Ann Arbor, Michigan where the Wolverines play (do we have any Wolverine fans here?) –the Big House–is the largest NCAA college football venue in this nation–holding 107,601 fans.
Folks, that doesn’t even come close.
Can you see why the disciples couldn’t believe their ears?
Why did Jesus tell them that news?
Because Jesus busted their “prediction bubbles” wide open! Jesus removed the unrealistic, unholy pedestals that they stood on/that we we stand on. Inevitably–as Jesus stated–the immense temple and its wonderful buildings–were smashed to smitherenes. Specifically, in the year AD 70, the Roman Empire was responsible for this great destruction.
But, there’s more to what Jesus said in this holy passage.
Yes, there will be, “Wars and rumors of wars, famines, diseases, tribulations of many kinds,” just as Jesus said, but the Savior also communicated with His holy life, death, burial, and resurrection: “To not lose heart because I have overcome the world.”
Listen! That’s not a prediction! Jesus–The Resurrection and the Life–doesn’t make predictions. He always did, always does, and always will tell the gospel truth, just as flawed but Spirit-filled David wrote about Him, “You won’t let your Holy One see decay.” David wrote those words 1,000 years before Jesus’ miraculous birth! That’s not prediction…that’s the gospel!
Likewise, the prophet Daniel, taken captive as a prisoner in Babylon, by the grace of God, became one of the most devout evangelists of Jesus Christ this Book of Life (do you see the connection?) has ever known, declaring heaven’s Righteous One as the holy Resurrection and the Life.
By the way, that’s what the angel Michael declares–the mighty kingdom of the Resurrection and the Life–along with all of the Lord’s heavenly angels and peoples past, present, future–“Who shall shine like the stars,” declaring Jesus–the everlasting Light of the World.
You see–when it comes to the Holy Gospel–we’re not talking about phony pedestals or empty predictions to stand on. Rather, we stand on the only, holy Good News that describes the eternal Light of the World–the Savior–whose salvation paves the way: “Once and for all,” as the author of Hebrews writes, “Through His pleasing sacrifice,” we have direct access to the holy of holies–God’s heavenly country–not built with futile human hands–but with the mighty, trustworthy Word of Christ.
That’s not a prediction.
That’s the gospel–the way, the truth, the life.
Okay, but how do we move forward, putting our trust in Jesus, especially in this chaotic world we live in?
Martin Luther was asked what he would do if he knew that the world was coming to an end tomorrow.
Do know what he said?
“I would plant an apple tree.”
(Donald B Strobe, Collected Words, www.sermons.com)
I love that! In the same way, my friends, go “Plant an apple tree.”
In other words–because of Jesus’ amazing grace, truth, mercy, forgiveness, and faith that we receive through Him–crucified, buried, and raised from the dead–we receive and plant His endless seeds of faith, don’t we?
Truthfully–the best spiritual fruit that God produces starts when He removes our phony pedestals/predictions. Instead–through the Holy Spirit–Jesus forgives you and provides you with His eternal faith that produces heavenly fruit that is beyond anything that this temporary, sinful world could ever imagine.
Look, don’t panic about today or tomorrow. When is the end of the world coming? I don’t know. You don’t know. Even the Son of God has submitted that call to his Heavenly Father, and He will one day return and restore all things as new. Don’t do anything outrageous. Keep it simple and plant an apple tree.
What might that look like in your life?
“Planting an apple tree,” could mean making a meal for that lonely neighbor that God has put in your heart. Call them on the phone and tell them, “How how have you been? Can we get together and share a meal together? I want to know how you’re doing and how I can pray for you.”
Can you imagine what happens in Jesus’ holy of holies?
“Planting an apple tree,” could mean asking your spouse for forgiveness, or forgiving your spouse just as–God in Christ Jesus–forgives you.
Imagine what that will mean for your marriage, your communication, your callings together–in Christ Jesus.
“Planting an apple tree,” could mean coming to Jesus personally and praying your honest/contrite heart out:
“Jesus–I’ve been standing on this silly pedestal for too long. I’ve been trying to elevate myself, making predictions about my career, my money/posseessions, even my family–putting myself/everything else–above you.
Forgive me, Lord; I need you to be the Savior in life.
Fill me with your Holy Spirit and teach me to speak and live out your truth and life.”
Does that prayer describe you this morning?
Don’t panic. Don’t chase after phony pedestals or predictions.
Rather–through the Holy Spirit–you can trust in Jesus and anticipate His coming again–just as He promised:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Can you picture Jesus’ holy of holies?
In the meantime–go Plant An Apple Tree.
Let’s pray.
I.) Plant An Apple Tree Discussion Questions –
Why did Jesus tell his disciples that the temple and other “impressive buildings” would be destroyed?
What’s different about Jesus’ kingdom? How is Jesus’ kingdom of heaven built? *Read John 14:1-3.
The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as the perfect, pleasing sacrifice.
What does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and glorious resurrection from the dead mean for you?
II.) Plant An Apple Tree Bible Reflection Verse
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
III.) Plant An Apple Tree Prayer of the Week
Jesus, thank you for being the true “curtain” or “door” to eternal life through your sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Help my family and me to stand on your Word, not on the phony predictions and pedestals of this broken world.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.