Rick and Dick Hoyt were a father-son duo that raced in over 1,000 competitions together over the course of forty years. Rick was born with cerebral palsy and was a quadriplegic his entire life, only able to communicate via a special computer. When he was a young man he told his father he wanted to race in order to help a disabled friend. That began the journey that inspired thousands of people. Dick developed a special seat for his son to ride in during each race. The father pushed his son to victory in order to make him feel free from his disability. An amazing example of dedication, resilience and the unbreakable bond between father and son, Team Hoyt paved the way for other disabled racers to have the courage to compete (https://teamhoyt.com/about-us).

This real life story brings us to a parallel reality in the Christian life: God the Father pushes us, as helpless, hopeless, sinful rebels to the finish life of heaven. We are completely dependent upon him to endure the hardships of life. Our Lord and Savior saved us by his grace to bring us into right relationship with the triune God. He lies behind us, before us, within us, and beside us in order to carry us home to glory. Heaven awaits faithful saints who endure till the end. And it is the return of Christ which motivates how we live here and now. 

The apostle Peter urges suffering saints to this end in 1 Peter 4:7-11. He tells them to keep the finish line in mind. He writes, “The end of all things is at hand” and follows with a series of commands. They are to be self-controlled, be sober-minded, to love one another earnestly, to show hospitality, to serve believers in love, to use your gifts to build up the church, to speak God’s truth and to serve in God’s strength (v. 7-11). All of these commands are to be done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ (v. 11).  A beautiful gem is hidden away in this passage which brings it to life. We, as believers, are “stewards of God’s varied grace” (v. 10). The grace of God is a glimmering diamond in the treasure chest of God’s redemptive work. His grace is multi-faceted and inexhaustible in splendor. He is the God of grace who dispenses grace to his beloved children. Moreover, because of Christ we belong to God the Father and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as Dick Hoyt pushed his son to victory, our Heavenly Father pushes us to the finish line of eternity. Until the return of our Savior, we await it in great expectation. We are to live holy lives in order to bring him great joy. Spared from his judgment, every believer should live in immense gratitude and humble devotion as stewards of God’s amazing grace

Application Questions:
1. How can you spur on your fellow believers to live for Jesus, expecting his imminent return?

2. What areas of your life need to change in order to bring joy to your Savior and to hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:21)?