No one expects to die really. We all just kind of muddle our way through life expecting to live forever. Never thinking that one day we will be the ones in a coffin. Unfortunately reality had caught up to me sooner than I expected. I was only around forty and had died of a very sudden heart attack. Despite dying earlier than I had expected I was confident that I would soon be enjoying the pleasures of heaven. There was a short line of recently deceased all waiting to be judged. I was at the end.
The two men in front of me I recognized. I never knew them personally, but one had been on the news and the other had been a neighbor. The man who had been on the news hadn't exactly been a role model as you may have guessed. He had made the news a few days ago because he had shot and killed his family as they slept. He then called 911 and then shot himself in the head before the authorities could arrive. He left a note saying he didn't have a choice. That he thought killing them would make the voices go away, but they still screamed and swore. So he blew his brains out to make it all stop. No one I knew felt sorry for the man. I couldn't wait to see the man dragged down to hell where he would suffer for the crime he had committed.
The other man had been a neighbor. A man that disgusted me just by looking at him. He was openly gay and wasn't sorry for it. Him and his partner even had adopted a little girl. I felt sorry for the child not because she had just lost a dad, but because she had been exposed to such perverse behavior at such a young age. The child wouldn't have a chance in life. He hated to think of the man being condemned to hell, but he had made his choices. Now he would have to pay the price for his decisions.
The line moved steadily. Inching its way forward in a steady pace. I couldn't believe how fast the line was moving. I wished lines had moved like this when I was still alive. Finally it was the murderer's turn to be judged. I was close enough that I could hear and see what was going on. The man stood before God. He listened as God listed all his sins. To my surprise the man broke down sobbing. As if he might really be sorry.
"I'm so sorry lord. I truly am. I don't why I did most of those things. I've already readied myself for your punishment. Please send me away from your sight. It's the least I deserve."
Then to my astonishment Jesus who had been at his Father's side stepped forward and looked at the man with nothing but compassion. He walked up to the man and wiped his tear and turned back to his father.
"Father, I know this man. I suffered with him and I paid his price."
God nodded and opened a giant book. It had a slight glow and he scanned the pages. A smile came across his face as he found what he was looking for. His smile was huge and heart warming. He looked at the man with nothing but love.
"Sir, you sinned, but you embraced my son. You knew him and so he died for you. You are free to pass. You will find that your family is already waiting for you. They hold no grudge towards you. They are just happy that you no longer suffer."
The man was then escorted by two brillant and terrifying angels to the gates of heaven. It was then I noticed the demonic presence in the room. They booed and hissed as they saw the man's soul saved and escorted to heaven.
"We'll claim a soul yet, you bastard!" shouted one of them to God and his son.
It was then my neighbor's turn. I turned to watch his judgement. This was going to be painful to watch. He seemed like a good man, but he chose to sin. I braced myself for the worst. He stood before God and listened without response to his list of sins. He just seemed to stand there and let them soak in. I couldn't hear the sins. It confused me, but perhaps the sins were only meant to be heard by the one being judged at the time.
"I'm sorry Lord for my sins. I tried to follow you, but I was selfish. I kept thinking of what I wanted and forgot that you already had something in mind for me."
Jesus once again stood up and walked over to the man being judged. He smiled and embraced him warmly. As if greeting an old friend and then turned to his father. He paused for a moment as if thinking what to say. The demons in the backround hissed in antcipation.
"Father, once more I must say I know this man. I know him well. He and I have been friends for a very long time. I know he messed up from time to time, but I paid that price. I died for him. His bill has been taken care of."
I was astounded at his words. The man was a sinner. Did he not have to be condemened? Once again God checked his book and that same warm smile crept across his face. He welcomed him and even aplogized for the behavior of those who claimed to follow him. Two angels escorted him to the gates of heaven as the demons once agained hissed and booed.
At this point I was so furious that God could accept such horrible people that I didn't hear them call my name. It was my turn to be judged. An angel nudged me forward. The demons seemed happy to see me. It was creepy. I took my place before God. He then began to list my sins. The list seemed to go on forever. It was making me dizzy. I thought I might pass out from the lengthy list. When he finished he looked at me waiting for a response. I paused waiting for Jesus to stand and greet me as well, but he just looked at me with a deep sorrow.
"I know I sinned. I'm not perfect, but I tried hard to follow you. To live a life you would be proud of? Surely your son knows this!"
Jesus looked at me for a moment, but did not stand.
"My dear stranger, I knocked at the door of your heart every day for years. Many times I thought you might actually invite me in, but your hate and judgement of others was more important to you. I found that door being slammed in my face time and time again."
I couldn't believe it. Were they rejecting me? I memorized whole passages of the bible, spread his word, and lived life proclaiming his name. How on earth could I be turned away! They had to know me.
"My lords, I read the word, spread the good news, and lived life never denying you. I have shown nothing but devotion to you!"
As the words passed my lips I saw a sudden furry come over God. He looked at me with anger and what seeemed like disdain.
"Yes, you read the word, but did not understand it! I told you to love your neighbor and your enemies. Instead you laid judgement on them and allowed hate to grow in your heart. You did not spread any news I support. You took the word. Took the message and distorted it. You told people that I wouldn't accept them for who they are. You told them my kingdom was for people like you alone! You have destroyed faith in others and given the people the impression that I am a hateful and bigoted God. Your words were posion and came only from the devil. You denied me everyday. Everytime you whispered words of disgust about people you did not know or understand you denyed me! If you knew me you would have embraced them and welcomed them as friends! Get out of my sight stranger! I know you not and neither does my son!"
Before I knew what happened laughing and cackling demons surrounded me and began to drag me to hell as I screamed for mercy. I tried to remind god who I was with my screams as I was dragged away, but to my dismay another was already standing before him being judged.
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