An old pastor lay dying. He sent a message for an
IRS agent and his lawyer to come to the hospital. When they arrived, they were
ushered up to his room. As they entered the room, the pastor held out his hands
and motioned for them to sit on each side of the bed.
The pastor grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled, and stared at the
ceiling. For a time, no one said anything. Both the IRS agent and lawyer were
touched and flattered that the old man would ask them to be with him during his
final moments. They were also puzzled because the pastor had never given any
indication that he particularly liked either one of them.
Finally, the Lawyer asked, "Pastor, why did you ask the two of us to come here?"
The old pastor mustered all his strength, then said weakly, "Jesus died between
two thieves, and that's how I want to go.