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

Water that lives

Haiku of the Spirit

Those who are thirsty
who seek the living water,
let them come to me.

The promised Spirit
shall flow from their hearts in streams
of living water.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

He breathed on them

Haiku for agents of peace.

Peace was his greeting
that night, meeting with his friends,
the day he was raised.

The doors had been locked,
but somehow he was present,
standing among them.

They gasped, rejoicing.
Beyond all expectations
their master lived!

There’s much to be done.
Just as the Father sent me,
so I’m sending you.

He breathed upon them.
Receive the Holy Spirit,
God with you, always.

Mercy is the key;
show them. You are to forgive;
you must set them free.

This is why I came,
to bring freedom, grace and hope.
My peace be with you.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

The hour has come

Haiku to unite a people.

The hour has come;
things move inexorably
to their conclusion.

Jesus’ work is done.
Just one last task before him;
shouldn’t be too hard.

We struggle to grasp:
the Son will be glorified
as he meets his death.

Receiving God’s word,
he opened it to his friends,
sharing the wonder.

Touched by divine grace
he speaks of life eternal:
communion with God.

He prays for his friends,
knowing he must soon depart,
leaves them in God’s care.

Father, keep them safe
beyond this hour. Unite them;
ground them in your love.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017

This is the Spirit of Truth

Haiku of promise

Spirit, advocate,
mystery God at our side;
within and without.

Spirit of truth who
abides in each open heart;
gift from the Father.

Spirit of Jesus;
among us, unseen presence,
sharing risen life.

Divine indwelling;
the Son in the Father,
the Spirit in us.

It’s all about love;
thus the Spirit recalls us
to Jesus’ commands.

You who follow me
will prove it, Jesus told them.
Love will be the sign.

I will be with you,
I will show myself to you;
we will dwell in love.

 

© Ken Rookes 2017