by Pastor Jack Hyles (1926-2001)
HE DIED AND WENT TO KENTUCKY
The midnight ring of a pastor's phone usually means that Someone has a heartache or a sorrow. I had such a call recently. Someone's unsaved relative had a short while to live. I went to the hospital and found that he was aware of his condition and knew that death was imminent.
Hurriedly I told him the story of Christ and that through faith in the finished work of Calvary he could be saved. He and I both agreed that we should hurry as his minutes were few. I placed my mouth close to his ear and talked distinctly and rapidly.
I asked him if he completely understood. He whispered, "Yes."
I asked him if I could pray. He answered affirmatively. I prayed very briefly, realizing that this moment might be his last one. Then I asked him to pray, and this he did just above a whisper. Then he took my hand as a token of his acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour.
I looked up and saw him weeping and smiling for joy. Quickly I wanted to lead him to assurance as time was precious. "Now do you know you are saved?" I asked.
"Yes, I do," he whispered faintly.
"Do you know you are ready to die?"
"Yes, I know that."
"Can you say to me that you are now a Christian?"
"Yes, I can."
Then I asked, "Since you are so near death now, where are you going when you die?"
He looked up with a smile on his face and said, "Kentucky."
I guess this is the only time I ever laughed in the face of a dying man. Little did I know that if a person gets saved he will someday die and go to "Kentucky!" (There are some who would prefer purgatory and maybe a few others who...well, enough for that.)
To say the least, the man was saved. He thought I was talking about where his body would be placed. He got the idea and I think chuckled on his way to Heaven. Believe me, I doubt if he is in Kentucky today, but I thank God he is in Heaven.
