Some will play this game for their entire life and will literally die in the middle of making their ten thousandth guess. Some become so exasperated with the game, realizing it is a ruse, they turn to the game master himself and plead, "I will do anything! I will give you whatever you want! Give me this prize!" At this point, Satan recruits these desperate souls to become junior game masters themselves, and they will spend the rest of their lives running a shell game for other weary players, convinced that their employer will, after a length of faithful service, finally bestow on them the great and elusive prize. Some will come to the realization that Satan is a liar and that he holds no prize at all, he's conning them. However, after many hundreds of attempts and losing so much of themselves in the process, they are cynical and broken and spend the rest of their lives sitting nearby the game table and scoffing at those still naive enough to play. Some will lose their minds and become convinced that the game itself is the prize and they must simply be content by not allowing themselves to become emotionally attached to the outcome of the game but to simply love the game as they play it to their death, a placid smile upon their face. Satan is content with all of these outcomes.
Meanwhile, standing not far from the table at all there is a man. He routinely walks over to the gamers and those who have lost faith in the game and tells them a very heartening piece of news. "The game is a ruse," he will often say. Most do not hear him as they are absorbed by the movements of Satan's hands.
Those who sit and scoff usually respond, "Tell me about it. I figured that one out ages ago. You know what else? Not only is the game a ruse, but so is this whole blasted existence. There is no peace of mind and it ends with a painful death, followed by nothingness."
The man then says, "The game is certainly a sham and the game master holds no prize, but this world is a gift and your life can be so much more than playing this game unto death or sitting here and awaiting that same wretched end. I tell you, eternal life and everlasting peace awaits you and it is a free gift! You don't have to uncover any prizes under shells, you don't have to contend with a cruel and heartless game master, you were created for this life and to live it well at peace with your creator."
It's at this point that many of the scoffers begin to become angered at the new idea. It simply sounds like another scam to their broken hearts. Some, however, are intrigued by this concept and their interest is piqued. Noticing this development from behind his game table, Satan rigs his next round. "We have a winner!" All the commotion ceases and all eyes are turned back to the game. An ecstatic player is jumping and down and shouting for joy, their face flush with simultaneous exhaustion and excitement. Satan tenderly grips the player's arm. "How does it feel?"
"I feel amazing, I can't believe how incredible this is! I can't think straight right now."
"Wonderful!" Satan responds, "Now, step right back here and begin your new life of immortality and never-ending pleasure." The player then sprints inside a door behind the game master. With a gentle smile on his face, Satan turns to address the remaining players. "You see folks, with enough hard work and dedication, you too can win this amazing prize. Now, step right up!" Amid the renewed enthusiasm for the game, many of the scoffers even get up and get in line to play.
Disheartened, the man turns and walks back to his spot not far from the table. He will wait for another opportunity to share the good news about the free gift, until then he will watch and pray for the desperate players of the game.
As he is walking back, one of the scoffers rises from his seat and cautiously follows.
