|
In Memory of Martin Luther
Today, we remember the great German theologian and pastor, Martin Luther. Luther translated the Bible into German and wrote extensive theology and commentary, but my favorite phrase of his is surely apocryphal. When asked what he would do if Christ were returning tomorrow, Luther supposedly said, “I would plant a tree!”
Although he likely didn’t say this, the story illustrates a profound theological principle: the call to engage with the world while anticipating God’s ultimate restoration of creation. Luther's statement reflects a dual understanding of faith and action. Planting a tree signifies a commitment to the present world, affirming that our actions hold significance even with imminent divine intervention. This aligns with a vision of the new creation, asserting that God’s kingdom is not merely a future promise but a present reality we embody. For Luther, planting a tree becomes an expression of hope and responsibility, engaging with the physical world and contributing to its flourishing.
The resurrection of Jesus marks the beginning of God's new creation. This truth invites believers to participate in the renewal of the world, emphasizing that the material and spiritual are interconnected. Luther’s metaphor embodies this idea; it’s a tangible act of faith that aligns with the belief that God’s redemption encompasses all of creation. The act symbolizes nurturing life and fostering growth, reinforcing that our actions have lasting significance in the grand narrative of redemption.
This perspective challenges the escapism that can accompany beliefs about the end times. Instead of retreating into a purely spiritual realm, we are called to engage deeply with the world around us. By planting a tree, Luther encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship: to live in a way that anticipates the coming kingdom, embodying hope, love and stewardship.
Martin Luther’s quip about planting a tree if he knew Christ was returning, apocryphal though it may be, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of action in the face of hope. It resonates with a theology of new creation, emphasizing that our efforts to care for the world are not futile but reflect our faith in God’s redemptive work. In planting trees, we affirm life, cultivate hope, and align ourselves with the divine promise of renewal that is already at work.
A Collect for Martin Luther
O God, our refuge and our strength: You raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your Church in the light of your word. Defend and purify the Church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches of your grace which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirt, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
| 
