Why would Martin Luther choose to plant a tree if he knew the Lord was returning the next day?

Jeffrey D. Johnson explores this intriguing perspective, drawing from Martin Luther's reputed response about planting a tree even when the Lord's return seems imminent. The act of planting a tree symbolizes looking beyond immediate gratification, focusing on the long-term and future generations. It reflects a mindset that balances readiness for the Lord's return with the responsibility to occupy and invest in the world we inhabit, understanding that the timing of the Lord's return remains unknown.

Johnson emphasizes the dual perspective Christians must maintain—being prepared for Christ's return at any moment while actively engaging in the world. This involves raising families, building businesses, and contributing to the preservation of the church and God's kingdom. Christians are called to live with both eternal and temporal perspectives, ensuring their actions in this world are aligned with their heavenly hope. By doing so, they can lay up treasures in heaven, honoring God's commission through their daily lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end."