The "rock And Wave" Of Evangelism

What is the rock and wave of evangelism?

This is a framework of how to function as light in a world of darkness. Jesus told his followers that “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

Let’s take a deeper dive into that:

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB95)

The ultimate end of letting our light shine is that others would see our good works and then glorify our Father who is in heaven. That is defining the “win.”

So, how do we do that? The Apostle Paul gives a little further instruction:

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, [making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NASB95)

So, we are to be light and also to conduct ourselves with wisdom to those who are “outsiders” or those not yet trusting in Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The “Rock and Wave” of Evangelism is a simple means of determining the best course of action in any type of encounter with the world around us.

To delve into the science of light for just a moment. Light is both a particle and a wave. It’s both at the same time. There is a duality involved in light because of this. A particle essentially “bounces off” of another particle as a simple explanation in this illustration. On the other hand, a wave is defined as a “propagating dynamic disturbance” that disrupts the equilibrium (or balance) of what it pushes into.

The point is to say that when we are interacting with “outsiders” we at times need to be a “rock” (or particle) and at other times a “wave.” What’s the distinction?

The idea of being a “rock” is that we know a collision is coming. There may be a collision of values or ideas. Or, there may be a collision of understanding. This relates to areas of scripture that are indisputable.

As a possible correlation, Jesus did not argue with Pontius Pilate or try to plead his case. (John 18:28-40) He was more like a “rock” who recognized that He was there simply because it was His Father’s plan. That is an important distinction because if we are in what seems like a challenging situation, pause and ponder, is this a moment for me to be “still” like a rock?

On the other hand, Jesus functioned at other times like a “propagating dynamic disturbance” which describes how a wave functions. I am going to borrow those words a bit here to capitalize on how we can function as a “wave.”

To be a wave is to bring a message (propagate) in a dynamic (not static) way that is bound to cause a disturbance to the “balance” of the situation. Jesus functioning as a wave could be seen as what he did in overthrowing the tables of the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). It created quite the stir.

To circle back to the idea of being the “light of the world,” pause and ponder–what is the Lord calling me to do in this particular situation? Do I need to stand firm like a rock (which may inevitably involve a collision)? Or, do I need to integrate into the situation like a wave (which may upset the balance of understanding)?

How do we know the difference? Paul laid it out in Colossians 4:5 that we are to walk in wisdom to outsiders. So, we first need wisdom to know how to respond within the given scenario. If you go to Colossians 4:3, Paul asks for prayer that a door may be opened for the word. When there is an open door, push in like a wave, speak the word with grace, seasoned with salt.

If there appears to be no door/opening to say anything, what should you do? Sometimes it is being the rock. You are there and aren’t going anywhere. People are watching your “good deeds” as you obey the voice of your Father in heaven. These good deeds cause others to glorify God because of what they have seen in you.

Here is the other thing, Jesus never made the choice on his own to be a “rock” or “wave.” It was always directed by His Father in heaven. He only said what He heard the Father saying (John 12:49) and did what he saw the Father doing (John 5:19). We are to follow in His footsteps in any situation, being led by the Holy Spirit.