“Forgive the intrusion,” said Ahab,
“But you have a plot that I love.
Your vineyard is fragrant and fertile,
With grapes that drip dew from above.
“Yet your workers are poor. They lack money
To pay taxes and cover their rent.
Your wife can’t afford bright apparel,
Because all your money’s been spent.
“Allow me to pose a solution
To rectify your many ills:
The finest of healthcare a la Jezebel,
Who cooks up the strongest of pills.
“Her potions can kill any virus.
I should know. I have sampled a few.
She stirs up a mighty rank cauldron.
Have you ever stewed in her brew?
“Why look you so hesitant, Naboth?
Why do your eyes shine with alarm?
Your people are ripe for a transplant.
Let me hire them to work on my farm.
“The silver and gold are in my hands,
I own cattle on hundreds of hills –
The ones that survived that long famine we had.
To think of that dearth gives me chills.
“I hope you don’t blame it on me, though.
I just did what I must to survive.
My wife’s a great queen. She deserves it.
Her heart is to see us all thrive.
“Bitter herbs are the answer, she tells me,
All her doctors agree. It’s the rage!
Bread and wine aren’t enough. We need healthier stuff.
Our menu requires a new page.
“To that end I beg you, dear Naboth,
In lieu of such spiritual fruit
As love, peace and joy (which may tend to annoy),
More practical produce to toot.
“Allow me to purchase your vineyard
And replace it with down-to-earth food,
Like envy and anger that grows like a weed
And puts you in one rotten mood.
“I’m just looking out for your welfare.
Your vineyard I’ll gladly replace
With a substitute crop based on following law.
Forget all this teaching on grace.”
But the man told him no, he would not compromise.
So, Jezebel continued the chase…
Can you relate to Naboth? Does some bully want your good stuff? Have you ever caved in and let them have what they wanted? If they got it, was it ever be enough?
Signs, Wonders, Miracles 