Weeds

Haiku for a dilemma

Weeds among the wheat,
useless seeds grow with the grain;
contamination.

Good seed was planted;
where, then, do the weeds come from?
Have to blame someone.

Better pull the weeds
lest their seeds blend with the good;
be responsible.

The master says, No.
You might damage the good plants.
We shall be patient.

Wait for the harvest,
then we’ll properly discern;
sort the good from bad.

The end of the age,
(whatever that means), is time
enough for judgement.

The righteous shall grow,
shine bright, and produce much fruit
in love’s fair kingdom.

Don’t be dissuaded.
Grow strong in the grace of God.
Bear the fruits of love.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

A Sower went out

Haiku for gardeners

He goes to the lake,
finds a boat beached on the shore.
The crowd waits, eager.

What word will they hear;
what deep message awaits them?
He tells them stories.

Calls them parables;
he wants to get them thinking,
pondering kingdom.

A sower went out
to plant; eager and with hope.
He cast seed widely.

What might it produce?
That, friends, is the mystery;
depends where it lands.

The path and its birds,
shallow soil on rocky ground,
or the thorns that choke.

There is good soil, too.
The disciples are puzzled;
What does it all mean?

The seed is good news,
the gospel of the kingdom.
Not all receive it.

Some seed finds good soil;
hearts that are open to love.
These will bear much fruit.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

Come to me

Haiku of homecoming

This generation.
Never seen the like before.
Never will again.

They call each other,
the children, young but knowing;
When will you respond?

You can dance with me
or weep mournfully with John;
listen, hear and act.

Come, join in the dance,
accept the invitation,
dine upon God’s word.

The wise will not see.
Love’s mysteries are too hard;
need to be a child.

By the Father’s grace
he grasps heavenly precepts,
shares them with his friends.

You who are anxious,
who struggle with life’s burdens;
come, journey with me.

My yoke is easy.
Gentle, I am, and humble;
I will give you rest.

 

© Ken Rookes 201

None of these will lose their reward

Haiku for disciples

Welcoming others,
showing hospitality,
it’s what Jesus wants.

When you are welcomed,
Jesus is made welcome too,
and God who sent him.

As you show welcome
to the small and lowly ones
you are rewarded.

As you invite them
to come under your welcome,
so you will be blessed.

Cups of cold water
given to these little ones
won’t go unoticed.

Hospitality:
a forgotten eastern art,
much undervalued.

Generosity –
a function of the kingdom.
That, along with love.

© Ken Rookes 2017

Taking it up

Haiku to make one hesitate

You who would follow,
look to Jesus, your teacher.
Try to be like him.

You might not win friends.
Jesus made enemies, too;
you won’t be alone.

There are no secrets.
Stand boldly, proclaim God’s truth;
do not be afraid.

Hold firm, speak my name,
be known as my disciples;
I will keep you safe.

It won’t be easy;
don’t expect a life of peace.
Jesus brought a sword.

Son against father,
daughter against her mother;
families divide.

This cross is painful.
No bright trinket on a chain;
wear it if you dare.

Worthy followers
understand the challenges,
know the costs of love.

My friends, be prepared;
if you want to find your life
you must let it go.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

The harvest is great

He travelled about,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming good news.

Jesus wept for them:
like sheep without a shepherd,
helpless and harrassed.

Call out to the Lord,
more labourers are needed;
the harvest awaits.

So much to be done
to bring peace, healing, wholeness,
forgiveness and hope.

The time had arrived.
He called the twelve together,
gave them the challenge.

Heal, bring life and love,
show them the kingdom is near.
Teach them about God.

Do it in my name.
Show God’s generosity,
don’t expect payment,

Bring in the harvest;
gather the people who love
into the kingdom.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

Go, therefore.

Haiku for those who are sent

Eleven of them
went to Galilee, as told.
Where were the women?

There, on the mountain
they met and worshipped Jesus;
but some were doubting.

All authority
has been entrusted to me:
gather disciples.

Make them mine; baptise
in the name of the Father,
the Son and Spirit.

Teach them to obey
all that I have commanded.
This is true worship.

Remember, my friends,
I will always be with you
to the age’s end.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017