Suffering joins us

 

Haiku responding to Heb 2:10-18

Suffering joins us

in common humanity

and links us with God.

We are made holy

through Jesus; with him we are

all children of God.

Sharing flesh and blood,

Jesus, through death, defeated

the power of death.

We no longer fear

death, Jesus has set us free

from death's slavery.

Jesus came for us,

(not angels!), to make us his

brothers and sisters.

He frees us from sin.

(Is sacrifice, atonement,

the only process?)

Jesus was tested

by what he suffered; he helps

all who are tested.

© Ken Rookes 2025

The trip to Bethlehem

Haiku responding to Lk 2:1-14

A head-count becomes

the occasion for the trip

to Bethlehem town.

Joseph took Mary

to the city of David;

he was from that tribe.

Mary delivered

her baby in a stable.

(No room in the inn!)

Shepherds in the fields,

(low on the pecking order),

watching sheep at night.

An angel arrived,

speaking God's good news: Fear not,

I tell of great joy!

A child has been born

in Bethlehem, David's town,

a Saviour, the Christ.

This will be a sign;

he's lying in a manger,

wrapped in bands of cloth.

A mob of angels

turn up, praising God, singing:

Peace to all on earth!

© Ken Rookes 2025 

You also belong to Christ

Haiku responding to Romans 1:1-7

Paul, servant of Christ,

unknown to the church in Rome,

gives his credentials.

I was set apart

for the gospel; called by Christ

as an apostle.

The gospel: promised

by the prophets, realised

through Jesus, God's Son.

His resurrection

from the dead established him

as the Son of God.

By grace he called us

as apostles, that gentiles

might come to know faith.

You are included;

you also belong to Christ,

having received grace.

Greetings, beloved

Romans; called as saints of God.

Grace to you, and peace!

© Ken Rookes 2025

You must be patient

Haiku responding to James 5:7-10

Be patient, therefore,

brothers and sisters, waiting

for the Lord to come.

As the farmer waits

the rain that waters the crop.

you must be patient.

You must be patient.

Strengthen you hearts; be ready,

for the Lord is near.

Brothers and sisters,

don't complain against your mates;

then you won't be judged.

God isn't intent

on judging you; do nothing

that leads to judgement.

Be like the prophets

who spoke in the name of God,

suffer with patience.

© Ken Rookes 2025

United in Christ

Haiku responding to Romans 15:4-13

In days past, scriptures

were written for instruction,

encouragement, hope.

May the steadfast God

draw you together in love.

Live in harmony.

United in Christ

may you sing as with one voice

to glorify God.

As Christ welcomed you

so you must show your welcome

to one another.

Jesus came to serve

Jew and gentile, confirming

ancient promises.

So many scriptures

promise hope for the gentiles:

Rejoice, O gentiles!

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace.

The Spirit gives hope.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Clothe yourselves in Christ

 

Haiku responding to Romans 13:11-14

There's no time to waste;

get on with it. Wake up now,

there's much to be done.

Salvation is near;

it draws closer ev'ry day

since we have believed.

The night is far gone,

The day is near. Let us, then,

throw off the darkness.

Let's discard the works

of darkness and let's put on

the armour of light.

Let us live decent

lives; sober, pure, and without

envy or quarrels.

Put the flesh aside;

don't gratify it's desires.

Clothe yourselves in Christ.

© Ken Rookes 2025

The firstborn

Haiku responding to Col 1:11-20

May you be made strong

through Christ; and may you endure

all things with patience.

Joyfully thank God,

through whom you share, with the saints,

blessings most divine.

You have been rescued,

freed from darkness to find life

in Jesus' kingdom.

God, invisible,

is seen in Jesus, firstborn

of all creation.

He is the centre

of ev'rything in heaven

and upon the earth.

Jesus comes before

all else, through Jesus all things

are held together.

He's head of the church,

the beginning; God's fullness

is found in Jesus.

Through Jesus, all things

are reconciled to God. Peace

is made real in him.

© Ken Rookes 2025

We worked hard

Haiku responding to 2 Thes 3:6-13

A bit judgey, Paul,

inviting separation

from the idle ones!

They were expecting

Jesus' return any day;

staying home from work!

We worked hard, says Paul,

when we were with you; feeding

ourselves, not bludging.

We weren't without rights

to be fed; instead we chose

to toil, night and day

Didn't want to be

a burden. An example

for you to follow.

Remember we said,

those who won't work should not eat.

Harsh? Yes, but needed.

Exhort the idle

in Jesus' name: Be at work,

earn your own living.

Brothers and sisters,

you must never grow weary

doing what is right.

© Ken Rookes 2025

You have been called

Haiku responding to 2 Thes 2:1-5, 13-17

How to interpret

these ancient scriptures? Surely

not literally!

As to the coming

of the Lord, some are saying

that day has arrived.

Do not be alarmed;

troubled times must come ere Christ

gathers us to him

See the lawless one

exalting himself above

all. Makes himself God.

While I was with you

I told you all of these things;

don't you remember?

We give thanks to God

that God chose you, the first fruits

of God's salvation.

God has purposed this

proclamation of good news

and you have been called.

We proclaimed good news!

You heard, are bound for glory

through our Lord Jesus.

Sisters and brothers

stand firm; keep the traditions

that we taught to you.

May our Lord Jesus,

with God who loved us, strengthen

you in doing good.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Worthy of God's call

Haiku responding to 2 Thes 1:1-4, 11-12

They write to the church

at Thessaloniki; Paul,

Silas, Timothy.

A greeting of peace

and grace; reflecting their love,

expressing their thanks.

They commend the faith

growing abundantly, at

Thessaloniki.

The love grows, too;

source of wonder and delight.

The writers take pride.

They boast of the love

and steadfast faith in the face

of persecutions.

We pray that God will

empower you, and make you

worthy of God's call.

May you bring glory

to Jesus' name, according

to the grace of God!

© Ken Rookes 2025

The race completed

Haiku responding to 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18

Ready to depart.

The purported apostle

writes to Timothy.

An offering poured

out before God. He's at peace,

holding nothing back.

He's fought the good fight,

he has completed the race,

he has kept the faith.

He's ready to claim

the crown of righteousness that

God has promised him.

He had stood alone,

no one came to help, but he

doesn't hold a grudge.

The Lord stood by me,

gave me strength, allowing me

to preach the gospel.

The gentiles have heard

because the Lord rescued me;

God still keeps me safe.

© Ken Rookes 2025