Ripples on the Water

This article was written with the help of AI, based on the transcript of this sermon by Pastor Daniel McFeeters. The original version of this message here was presented as a Sermon in the Woods.

As the early morning mist hangs heavy over Laurel Lake in southeast Kentucky, a lone canoe glides silently across the glassy surface. With each stroke of the paddle, perfect circles radiate outward, disrupting the mirror-like reflection. Each dip of the paddle creates a mesmerizing display of expanding ripples that seems to touch every corner of the lake.

This scene, more than just a picturesque moment in nature, serves as a powerful metaphor for life itself. Every action we take, every word we speak, sends ripples out into the world around us. These ripples, often imperceptible at first, can grow and spread in ways we might never imagine, touching lives far beyond our immediate reach.

From the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves to the subtle influence of a kind word, the ripple effect permeates our existence. It challenges us to consider the far-reaching consequences of our choices, both big and small. As we explore this phenomenon, we’ll uncover scientific principles, delve into timeless wisdom, and examine real-life examples that illustrate the profound impact of our actions. In doing so, we may just discover the extraordinary power we each possess to shape the world around us, one ripple at a time.

The ripples on a lake’s surface are just one manifestation of a phenomenon that surrounds us constantly. Sound waves carry our voices through the air, allowing us to communicate. Light waves enable us to perceive the world around us in vivid color. These invisible ripples form the very fabric of our sensory experience, yet we rarely pause to consider their profound implications.

In a triumph of modern science, researchers recently detected gravitational waves – ripples in the very fabric of spacetime itself. This groundbreaking discovery, predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity, opens up new frontiers in our understanding of the universe. It demonstrates that even the most fundamental forces of nature propagate in waves, reinforcing the universality of the ripple effect.

Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle extends far beyond the realm of physics. It suggests that no force or movement in the universe occurs in isolation. Every action, no matter how small, creates a reaction – a ripple that extends outward, influencing its surroundings in ways we may not immediately perceive.

From the gentle lapping of waves on a shore to the cosmic dance of galaxies, the science of ripples reveals a deeply interconnected universe. It challenges us to consider that our actions, like pebbles dropped in a cosmic pond, may have consequences that extend far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.

A Biblical Illustration

In the annals of biblical history, few stories illustrate the power of a single action more poignantly than that of Hannah. (1 Samuel 1-2) Living in a time when a woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to bear children, Hannah found herself in a heart–wrenching situation. Married to Elkanah, who also had another wife, Peninnah, Hannah was unable to conceive. Her barrenness was not just a personal sorrow but a source of public shame, exacerbated by Peninnah’s taunts.

In her anguish, Hannah took a step that would create ripples through generations. During a visit to the temple at Shiloh, she poured out her soul in silent, fervent prayer. Her lips moved, but no sound escaped, leading the high priest Eli to mistakenly accuse her of drunkenness. When Hannah explained her actions, Eli blessed her, and in time, her prayer was answered with the birth of Samuel.

But Hannah’s influence didn’t stop with Samuel’s birth. True to her vow, she dedicated her son to God’s service, bringing him to the temple as soon as he was weaned. Each year, she would visit, bringing a new robe she had lovingly crafted, each stitch a prayer for her son’s well-being and spiritual growth.

The ripples of Hannah’s faithful action spread far and wide. Samuel grew to become one of Israel’s most renowned prophets, serving as a bridge between the era of the judges and the monarchy. He would anoint both Saul and David as kings, shaping the course of Israel’s history.

Hannah’s story reminds us that even in our moments of deepest despair, our actions can have far-reaching consequences. Her prayer, born of personal anguish, set in motion events that would influence a nation. It stands as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the profound impact that a single, devoted individual can have on the world.

The story of Eli, the high priest of Shiloh, serves as a sobering counterpoint to Hannah’s tale of faith and devotion. While Eli held a position of great spiritual authority in Israel, his personal life was marked by a crucial failure that would have far-reaching consequences.

Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, also served as priests, but these young men were far from the righteous leaders they were meant to be. The biblical account describes them as “corrupt” and states that “they did not know the Lord.” Their behavior was reprehensible – they abused their priestly privileges, taking more than their share of sacrificial offerings and engaging in immoral behavior with women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

The ripples of their actions spread throughout Israel, causing people to “despise the offering of the Lord.” In essence, the sons’ corruption was turning people away from worship and faith.

Eli was aware of his sons’ misdeeds, but his response was tepid at best. He rebuked them verbally, asking, “Why do you do such things?” But he took no concrete action to remove them from their positions or to enforce the laws they were breaking. His failure to discipline his sons effectively amounted to honoring them above God, as the Lord Himself pointed out.

The consequences of Eli’s passive parenting were severe and far-reaching. God pronounced judgment on Eli’s household, declaring that his priestly line would be cut short. This prophecy was fulfilled when both of Eli’s sons died in battle on the same day, and Eli himself died upon hearing the news.

Moreover, the ripple effect of Eli’s failure extended to the entire nation of Israel. The Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines in the same battle where Eli’s sons died, marking a low point in Israel’s spiritual history.

Eli’s story stands as a stark reminder of the profound influence parents have on their children and, by extension, on society at large. His failure to correct his sons’ behavior not only affected his own family but also corrupted the spiritual life of an entire nation. It underscores the truth that leadership – whether in the home, in religious institutions, or in society – carries with it a weighty responsibility, and our actions (or inactions) can have consequences that ripple out far beyond our immediate sphere.

Influence in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples and teachings that underscore the profound impact of our words and influence. This power is illustrated in both positive and negative contexts, reminding us of the responsibility we bear in our interactions with others.

The apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy, highlights the generational impact of faith and influence. He commends the “sincere faith” that dwelt first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, before taking root in Timothy himself. (2 Timothy 1:5) This brief mention offers a glimpse into the powerful legacy that can be passed down through generations through consistent, lived-out faith.

The book of James offers perhaps the most direct teaching on the power of the tongue. James compares the tongue to a small rudder steering a large ship or a tiny spark that can set a great forest ablaze. These vivid metaphors emphasize how our words, though seemingly insignificant, can have far-reaching consequences.

We see this principle play out in the story of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. When he ascended to the throne, Rehoboam had to decide how to respond to the people’s request for lighter taxes. The harsh words he chose, influenced by his young advisors, led to the splitting of the kingdom – a monumental consequence from a single ill-considered statement.

In contrast, we find the story of the unnamed Israelite servant girl who spoke words of hope to Naaman, the Syrian commander suffering from leprosy. Her simple statement about the prophet in Samaria set in motion a chain of events that led to Naaman’s healing and his acknowledgment of the God of Israel.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

Jesus himself emphasized the influence his followers should have in the world through his teachings on salt and light in the Sermon on the Mount. “You are the salt of the earth,” he declared, and “You are the light of the world.” These metaphors speak to the preserving, flavoring, and illuminating effect Christians should have on their surroundings. Jesus urged his disciples not to hide their light but to let it shine before others, that they might see their good deeds and glorify God.

Taken together, these biblical examples and teachings paint a clear picture: our words and influence, whether spoken or lived out, have the power to shape lives, communities, and even the course of history. This realization should inspire us to be mindful of our speech and actions, recognizing that each interaction carries the potential to create ripples of influence that extend far beyond our immediate circumstances.

A Personal Journey

As I reflect on the power of words and influence, I’m reminded of a pivotal moment in my own life that set me on the path to where I am today. It’s a testament to how a few simple words can profoundly shape one’s future.

I was a young man, uncertain about my direction in life and unsure of God’s plan for me. One Saturday evening, I found myself at our pastor’s home for a social gathering. Among the guests was a missionary who had spent time in Papua New Guinea and was preparing to return there.

As we mingled and chatted, this missionary turned to me and said something I’ll never forget: “You look like a missionary.” Those five words caught me off guard. Me? A missionary?

But those words had planted a seed. They stuck with me, echoing in my mind for days afterwards. I couldn’t shake the idea that perhaps God was using this stranger to point me towards a calling I had never imagined for myself.

That seed soon bore fruit. Not long after, I found myself spending almost a year in Africa. The experience was transformative. I returned a changed person, filled with a passion to share the love of Jesus that I had never known before.

Today, I serve as a pastor, dedicated to sharing God’s word and love with others. It all started with those five words spoken at a casual social gathering. They created a ripple that changed the course of my life.

My story is a personal reminder of the incredible power our words can have. We may never know how a simple comment, an word of encouragement, or a challenging idea might impact someone’s life. That missionary probably doesn’t remember our brief interaction, but his words set me on a path that has defined my life’s work.

The Ripples We Create

As we’ve explored the far-reaching consequences of our actions and words, from the scientific principles of waves to the profound teachings of Scripture, we’re left with a powerful truth: each of us has the ability to create ripples that can transform the world around us.

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy a-circling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.”

― James W. Foley

Like the pebble dropped in water, our choices – both big and small – send out waves of influence that extend far beyond our immediate circle. A kind word to a stranger, a moment of patience with a child, a stand for what’s right in the face of adversity – these seemingly small actions can set in motion changes that ripple out to touch countless lives.

But with this power comes responsibility. Just as positive actions can create waves of good, so too can negative choices lead to far-reaching harm. We must be mindful of the ripples we create, considering not just the immediate impact of our words and deeds, but their potential long-term effects.

As we stand on the cusp of Christ’s return, our influence takes on even greater significance. We have been called to be witnesses, to share the message of God’s love and the hope of His soon coming. Each of us has a unique sphere of influence – family, friends, colleagues, community – where we can start ripples of faith, hope, and love.

So I challenge you today: Be intentional about the ripples you create. Speak words of encouragement. Act with kindness and integrity. Share your faith boldly yet lovingly. You may never see all the lives you touch or the changes you set in motion, but rest assured that your influence matters.

Remember, it doesn’t take much – just a pebble in the water, a word fitly spoken, a life lived with purpose. Your ripples, combined with those of others, can become a mighty wave of positive change in this world. Let’s commit to being conscious creators of positive ripples. Let’s use our influence, however great or small, to point others to the source of all love and hope – our soon-coming Savior. For in the end, the ripples we create today will echo into eternity.