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."