Leaving Behind

It's been said that we don't get a U-Haul to carry our earthly possessions to heaven with us when we die.  But, the Bible does say we are to lay up treasures in heaven.  I think that certainly has to do with being good stewards of the earthly resources God has given to us, so that we are using what God has provided for His glory and the glory of His Kingdom. But, I think you could also say that there are intangibles that we deposit in our heavenly account - for instance, the souls who are touched by our Christian witness.  And, perhaps something intangible we leave behind that reflects our love for Jesus.  The Bible says in Hebrews 6 (ESV):
10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Jackson is a young man who wanted to point people to Jesus.  So, when it became apparent that he was in a terminal condition as a teenager, he made a wish.  You've heard of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, in which young people who are dying ask for something special.  

Rick Karle on his Facebook page, "Rick Karle Good News," wrote this about Jackson: "Jackson wished a giant cross could be erected at his family’s property next to I-65 (exit 101) in Evergreen," adding, "Jackson imagined drivers receiving faith from a 120 foot lighted cross that towered over the interstate."

Jackson Conway died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 17 after an almost four-year battle. Now, five years after his death, that wish has come to fruition.  And, tomorrow night, in Evergreen, at the cross site at Exit 101, the cross will be lit in a special time of celebration, featuring well-known Christian music artists Jason Crabb, Karen Peck and New River, and Kelly Crabb & The Bowling Sisters.  It starts at 6:00 and is sponsored by the Jackson Conway Foundation, which, according to its website, "aims to support children with cancer and raise awareness for pediatric cancer."

About this young man, the website notes:

Jackson loved being outdoors at every opportunity, and he is remembered for his passion for hunting and being a loyal friend. Most importantly, he was a devoted follower of Christ, clinging to his faith and sharing with anyone who would listen that 'God's got this.' Through his journey, especially in the fight against childhood cancer, Jackson inspired countless individuals and encouraged their own spiritual walks.

Jackson lived out something we have talked about regularly on Faith Radio, and that is to point people to the cross.  Because that symbol that is really more than a symbol can remind people of the One who died so that we might live.  That is why we distributed 7-foot wooden crosses at Christmas, so that people can be reminded of why He came.  And, actually, if you have one of those crosses, the Easter season is also a great time to remind people of who He is and what He did.

This young man obviously wanted to point people to Jesus, not only through his life, but following His death.  As he thought about the end of His own life, He wanted people to know about the One who gave His life - the One who died so that we would live forever. Just like Jackson.

Perhaps you have never accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross and have made Him the Lord of your life.  If you have never been born again, you can pray a simple prayer.  The Bible says in Romans 10: "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  You can learn more by clicking on the box on our home page at Faith Radio that says, "Find Peace," and you can find out more about knowing Jesus.  That website has a model prayer you can pray.  I encourage you to consider the meaning of the cross and the amazing, abundant life that Jesus Christ offers to you.