“I’ve Got a Business to Run Here!”

Pounding on the teacher’s door

Zebedee thundered and cried

Stomping his foot on the courtyard floor

Hopping mad and fit to be tied.

“Jesus! Jesus! Come out of there!

I’m losing my mind; I’m pulling my hair!

Don’t you know, I’ve a business to run!

How will I survive without my two sons!

They’re not coming back, I know, I’ve been told;

I’m not getting younger, I’m grey and I’m old!”

Jesus answered Zebedee — “Do not fear. ­

Peace be with you. The Kingdom is near.

James and John are needed by me.

You have other men to fish in the sea.

No longer fishermen, your sons follow me,

Spreading my message throughout Galilee.

From Sons of Thunder to eternal fame,

Known forever because of my name.”

There was so much love in the master’s eyes,

Anger drained from Zebedee’s face —

There was nothing more he could do or say,

They could never, ever be . . . replaced.

Jesus then prayed as he walked away

This prayer for Zebedee:

“Father, I have a request tonight

For this man who fishes the sea.

You now have something in common with him;

He gave his sons — you have given up me.

Bless him in his grief I pray;

Let him know his loss as gain.

As his sons go out as disciples of mine

Grant him comfort in his fatherly pain.”

The Father answered his obedient son

“I will do as you say; it will be done — but

When you see him again, please tell him for me:

‘Zebedee, I too . . . have a business to run’.”