A Preacher With His Unique Dying Wish

While lying on his death-bed and musing, an old preacher thought of a unique strategy. He then sent a message for his banker and his lawyer, who are both his church members, to come to his home.

When they arrived, they were ushered up to his bedroom. As they entered the room, the preacher held out his hands and motioned for them to sit on each side of his bed.

Then the preacher grasped their hands, sighed contentedly, smiled and stared at the ceiling. For a minute or so, no one said anything.

While both the banker and lawyer were touched and flattered that the preacher would ask them to be with him during his final moments, they were also puzzled; the preacher had never given them any indication that he particularly liked either of them. They both remembered his many long, uncomfortable sermons about greed, covetousness, and avaricious behavior that made them squirm in their seats.

Finally, the banker said, "Preacher, why did you ask us to come?"

The old preacher mustered as much strength as he could, and then said weakly,

"Jesus died between two thieves, and that's how I want to go."