Discipleship and Einstein's Gravitational Waves

By Dr. Ron Jones

More than one hundred years ago, physicist Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves as part of his general theory of relativity. What are gravitational waves? I am glad you asked. Before I answer the question, a disclaimer is necessary: I am a pastor not a physicist.

 

According to scientists, gravitational waves are “ripples” in the fabric of space-time caused by the most violent and energetic processes in the universe. Einstein’s complicated mathematics demonstrated that when massive objects such as neutron stars or black holes accelerate by orbiting each other, they disrupt space-time and produce gravitational waves much like the ripples that radiate from a rock thrown into an otherwise tranquil pond. 

 

The difference, of course, is that these waves caused by cataclysmic cosmic events travel at the speed of light through the universe with information about the nature of gravity previously known only to the angels. Okay, that last part about the angels came from the pastor in me not the physicists. 

 

What do Einstein's gravitational waves have to do with discipleship? Two thousand years ago, a Jewish rabbi named Yeshua gave His followers a Great Commission. He told them to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). No complicated mathematics here. Instead, simple multiplication. No theory. All truth and reality. 

 

Jesus ministered within a rabbinic tradition of disciple making that was reproductive in nature. What He called for and commissioned, in effect, was a planetary wave unlike any force in the universe, a wave of purposeful and passionate disciples who go and make disciples of all nations on planet earth. 

 

The spiritual ripple effect Jesus began continues to this day if, of course, we follow our Savior by doing the one thing He told us to do. Frankly, what is needed in most churches today is a fresh disruption brought on by disciple making. The speed at which we fulfill the Great Commission depends on this. We don't have to be Einsteins to make a wave of disciples who go and make disciples, just willing and obedient followers of Jesus who is the Christ.

 

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