An old preacher was dying.
He sent a message for his IRS agent and his Lawyer, 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 the bed. The preacher 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 preacher would ask them
to be with
him during his final moment. They were also puzzled because
the preacher had
never given any indication that he particularly liked either
one of them.
Finally, the Lawyer asked "Father, why did you ask the two
of us to come?"
The old preacher mustered up some strength, then said
weakly, "Jesus died
between two thieves, and that's how I want to go, too."