Continue the legacy

"And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments." Luke 23:43 ESV

On March 19, Rick Hoyt of Team Hoyt joined his nephews Ryan, Troy and Jayme Hoyt for the St. Patrick's Road Race in Holyoke, Massachusetts to continue his father Dick Hoyt's legacy. Dick, who pushed Rick (who was stricken with cerebral palsy during birth) in a specialized running carriage in more than 1,100 races, including triathlons, Iron Man competitions and every Boston Marathon from 1981 to 2014, died last year at the age of 80. There was some talk that Team Hoyt would become an internet charity, The Hoyt Foundation contributes its donations to organizations devoted to helping those, like Rick, who are paralyzed. Dick’s youngest son said Saturday that Rick would not let that happen. “He said to Dick’s grandsons, ‘I want you to push me.’ He has always been the engine,” Russ Hoyt said. Rick is now in his mid-50s and while he cannot do marathons anymore, he came back to be in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Road Race, with his ever-present smile at the crowds who line the streets. Two of the grandsons, Troy and Ryan, will also represent Team Hoyt and run the 2022 Boston Marathon in Dick’s memory. They will lead a charity team of 22 runners to raise funds for the Hoyt Foundation. Do you just love that story or what? 

And you know, when it comes to carrying on a legacy or the mission of making a lasting impact on the world, every believer would do well to carry on the legacy of forgiveness that Jesus left. You see, Jesus not only forgave people who repented of their sins, He forgave those people who didn't even realize they were sinners. He forgave the very people who had taunted Him, spat on Him, beaten Him, and then crucified Him saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Almost unbelievable isn't it? But that's our Jesus! He looked at the people responsible for His horrible suffering and pain and prayed for their forgiveness. And because of that, the Roman centurions and soldiers who witnessed the crucifixion said, "Surely he was the Son of God." 

So in a world that's in desperate need of a Savior, let us carry on Jesus' legacy of forgiveness that we might inspire those watching to seek the One who loved us so much that He died on the Cross for us while we were still sinners. This conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed us, regardless of whether they actually deserve it, will be so unlike the attitude of the world that people will surely take notice. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of forgiveness that You have given us to follow. Help us to remember that we can't exhibit this type of release without the power of the Holy Spirit who You have placed inside every believer. Thank You for that precious Gift and for the peace that forgiveness always brings to the one who extends it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!