Today we take another look at the Back of my Bible. These are stories that I used to write in the back of my Bible so that I could have them whenever I needed them. I first read this story more than 30 years ago and it haunted me then. This story may seem like a downer, but it is not. It merely serves to remind us that we are not made for here.
Someone wrote:
According to an old fable, a man made an unusual agreement with Death. He told the Grim Reaper that he would willingly accompany him when it came time to die, but only on one condition–that Death would send a messenger well in advance to warn him.
Weeks winged away into months, and months into years. Then one bitter winter evening, as the man sat thinking about all his possessions, Death suddenly entered the room and tapped him on the shoulder. Startled, the man cried out, “You’re here so soon and without warning! I thought we had an agreement.”
Death replied, “I’ve more than kept my part. I’ve sent you many messengers. Look in the mirror and you’ll see some of them.” As the man complied, Death whispered, “Notice your hair! Once it was full and black, now it is thin and white. Look at the way you cock your head to listen to me because you can’t hear very well. Observe how close to the mirror you must stand to see yourself clearly. Yes, I’ve sent many messengers through the years. I’m sorry you’re not ready, but the time has come to leave.”
Lonnie Davis