Wanderman in the Wilderness

God's word applied in the world.

She Took An Apple And Paid A Hefty Price

She took an apple and paid a hefty price, $500 to be exact. Of course, I mean Crystal Tadlock. Did you think I was talking about someone else?

I know, I know. It’s a woman and an apple. But the Bible doesn’t record what kind of fruit. Many assume it was an apple. What we do know is that Eve took unauthorized fruit and paid a severe penalty.

Still, apples have a bad rap. A witch used an apple to poison Snow White. Hercules tricked Atlas into stealing golden apples. And poor William Tell was forced to shoot an apple off his son’s head.

So, with all the bad press out there, you would think that people might be a little more careful about apples! But, Crystal Tadlock learned a valuable lesson. Rules are rules when it comes to fruit and customs.

As Tadlock tells it, her Delta flight from France was about over when they handed out apples in plastic bags. Not being hungry at the time, she placed the apple in her bag. When she went through Customs, she was fined $500 for trying to bring an apple in to the country!

She asked, “Can I eat it or throw it out?” No. She argued: “Be reasonable.” No. She tried excuses: “It is Delta’s fault. They gave it to us as we were landing!” No. Customs wasn’t moved.

Meanwhile, Delta released the following: “We encourage customers to adhere to U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies and requirements.” Harsh, you say? But what if Adam and Eve had “adhered” to policies and requirements?

You see, long before Crystal Tadlock, Adam & Eve’s tried excuses too. Adam blamed “the woman whom You gave to be with me.” Eve blamed “the serpent deceived me” (Genesis 3:12-13).

God didn’t accept their excuses. They needed to learn obedience. And they needed to admit their faults. Thankfully, when we do, God is ready to forgive.

That is more than I can say for U.S. Customs! An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but make sure it is “authorized” fruit!

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