Here in South London, we live in “Spurgeon country” so to speak. Spurgeon’s College is just a 5-minute drive south of us, and our house sits right next to the cemetery where he is buried. Naturally, we think much of what he did–but we also lament that little remains of his work among the people living in this area. And yet, his words and stories continue to inspire those of us in the body of Christ.
One of Spurgeon’s life-changing experiences took place as he returned home from a preaching engagement in the city. As day gave way to the darkness of night, he watched as a tiny light appeared in the distance, followed by another, and then another, creating a trail of lights ascending the hill ahead of him. It was a man lighting the gas lamps, one by one, along the road. Listen to these words as he responds:
“I did not see the lamplighter. I do not know his name, nor his age, nor his residence; but I saw the lights which he had kindled, and these remained when he himself had gone his way…. As I rode along I thought to myself, ‘How earnestly do I wish that my life may be spent in lighting one soul after another with the sacred flame of eternal life! I would myself be as much as possible unseen while at my work, and would vanish into eternal brilliance above when my work is done.’ ” [Peter Morden, C. H. Spurgeon: The People’s Preacher (Farnham, Surrey: CWR, 2009), p. 169–170.]
These words inspire me deeply. But I can only imagine the impact if this great preacher of the gospel had embraced the basic principles of movement, sending men and women into the world to multiply the gospel with such passion! Spurgeon is gone from our midst, but the unfinished task remains. Can we take this same fervor for the gospel and multiply it into those we disciple and lead? Let us press on with passion and conviction, until all have heard.
