Out With A Bang

DateLine (7/13/05 – Richmond, Virginia)

I recently had the opportunity to see the just released on DVD movie Ocean’s 12 on an airplane trip. One of the members of the “gang” of expert thieves was an older “numbers” man who shared with his partners his philosophy of life. He stated, “My goal is to insure that the last check I write, bounces.” This story is fiction.

A couple of weeks ago while preparing for a Sunday School lesson I ran across this story. “A young pastor friend named Dan shared that his father had been very ill and had recently died. Dan’s father had been a strong Christian who modeled a Jesus – like attitude and behaviors in all areas of his life. He shared the story that his father had contracted a fast – moving form of melanoma and was told that he only had about one month to live. Just a few days before his death, Dan’s father asked to see Bob, his best friend for over twenty-five years. Although Dan’s father had repeatedly shared Christ with his friend, Bob had never accepted Jesus as Savior. When Bob arrived at the hospital, Dan’s dad asked to speak with him alone. Dan’s father once again shared how much God loved him and how Jesus had died on the Cross for his sins. There in that hospital room, Bob bowed his head and asked Jesus to forgive him and take control of his life. The next day, Dan’s father passed away, but that is not the end of the story. Before he died, Dan’s father had made one last request. He wanted Bob to be baptized as a part of his funeral service. What a legacy! Even at his funeral, this wonderful Christian man demonstrated his faith and his desire to lead others to know Jesus. He didn’t care about the spotlight shining on his life or his accomplishments. He wanted everyone to see what God had done in Bob’s life!” This story is fact.

I can’t imagine leaving this earth knowing that my existence had no eternal significance. What kind of legacy will you leave? I’d love to be like Dan’s father and go out with a bang.