There was an atheist who went through life like most people. He had his good
times and his bad. He died at an old age of 88. He woke up and saw a man
standing in front of him. He said, "Who are you?" The man said, "Well, Joe,
it doesn't matter now, you didn't know me while you were on the earth and
it's too late for you to know me now." Joe said, "Just tell me your name,
maybe I did know you and I just don't remember." The man said, "Well, Joe,
my name is Jesus and I'm the one who died for you." Joe said, "What? You
aren't real -- there is no God. How can this be?"
Jesus said, "Joe, do you remember the day you met your wife?" Joe said,
"Well of course I do. It was the day she ran into the back of my car on the
freeway and I got out to yell at her. Of course I didn't, instead I fell in
love with her." Jesus said, "Joe, I made sure your wife ran into your car
that day." Joe couldn't say a word. Jesus said, "Joe, do you remember the
time you were at work and on top of that tall building? You fell that day
and if you had fallen to the ground you would have died." Joe said, "Yeah,
but I didn't fall." Jesus said, "No you didn't because I sent one of my
angels to catch you." Joe couldn't say a word. Jesus said, "Joe, do you
remember the day your baby girl was born?" Joe said, "Well of course I do,
that was one of the best days of my life!" Jesus said, "I held that baby
girl close to me before I sent her to you hoping you would see that
beautiful creation and believe in me. I sent Christians to witness to you
but you would not listen. I did everything I could possibly do to make you
believe in me but you would not."
Joe said, "Jesus, please let me go back just one time so I can tell everyone
the truth!" Jesus said, "Joe, I am sorry but it is too late. Depart from me,
I never knew you."

                                             By Rita Wood