“We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man [or woman] should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him [or her] a week without knowing the gospel. His [or her] conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he [or she] is, and whom he [or she] serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his [or her] daily actions” (Charles Spurgeon).

A tragedy struck a family I’ve known since I was little. It happened a few days ago when a pastor and his wife were killed in a car wreck in Memphis. In a short span, three people lost both parents. So many are grieving at the sudden end of their lives.

But a beautiful thing is happening. Their tragedy is becoming a platform for the gospel to go to people who might not otherwise hear it. People will hear the message of Jesus who might ordinarily not give much thought to eternity, but with this tragic loss, will be forced to consider the claims of Christ.

My prayer is that people will come to saving faith in Jesus. I know the legacy of these two will live on as the seeds of their lives of faithfulness and dedication to the gospel will bear much fruit. The Book of Revelation says that those who die in the Lord are blessed from now on, because they rest from their labors and their work follows them. Their obedience created a ripple effect that will be felt for generations to come.

The pastor was faithful to preach the gospel and to instill the love of Jesus into his family. He and his wife are hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servants” and their loved ones grieve with hope because of the promise of the resurrection.