Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog
Haiku of childhood
Like sending your kids
to boarding school, Samuel
was sent to Eli.
A linen ephod,
the humble uniform worn
by boy Samuel.
Each year his mum came,
with her hand-made robe. A gift
of guilt for her son?
Hannah, Elkanah
offered sacrifice each year;
Eli would bless them.
May God repay you
with more children, for giving
your son to the Lord.
The boy Samuel
grew, finding favour with God,
and with the people.
Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku of promise
From darkness to light;
a metaphor unequalled.
One for the ages.
The darkness of fear,
uncertainty, the wondrous
light of love and hope
Oppression will end,
the burdensome bar and yoke
will be taken away.
The warriors boots
and garments covered in blood
shall be burned in fire.
A child has been born,
a son, authority rests
upon his shoulders
He has many names:
Wonderful Counsellor, Prince
of Peace, Mighty God.
With justice and truth
he'll establish David's throne.
There'll be endless peace.
Ken Rookes 2024
Published for Christmas Day. From Isaiah chapter 9
Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku for a birthplace
The prophet Micah
nominates the birthplace town;
it is Bethlehem!
Bethlehem might be
a small place; from her one comes
to rule Israel.
When the time is right
she will give birth; until then
much must be endured.
When he stands to rule,
his absent kindred shall come
home to Israel.
Standing in the strength
of God, he will feed his flock.
They shall live secure.
His name will be known
to the ends of all the earth;
he shall rule in peace.
© Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku of hope for people who are oppressed.
Sing, Zion's daughters,
shout, rejoice, be exultant
with your whole being.
Your judgement has passed,
your enemies are scattered;
the Lord has done this.
You need fear no more,
don't grow weak or disheartened;
God is in your midst.
The Lord rejoices
over you. With gladness God
renews you in love.
Disaster is gone,
there is no reproach; I'll deal
with your oppressors.
I will save the lame,
and gather in the outcast,
removing their shame.
I will bring you home,
your fortunes will be restored,
all earth will praise you.
. . . .
When you've been shown grace,
Jesus says, you're expected
to also show grace.
No longer oppressed,
you'd hope they'd extend that same
freedom to others.
© Ken Rookes 2024
Reflecting on Zephaniah 3:14-29
Haiku for refining
God's messenger comes,
sent to make ready the way;
clearing obstacles.
The Lord whom you seek
will arrive without warning;
make yourselves ready.
He comes to make real
the ancient covenant, made
between God and us.
Not many can stand
before the Lord; not many
will be judged righteous.
Like refining fire
and soap turning wool to felt,
the Lord transforms us.
Like gold and silver
we all need to be refined;
purify us, God.
We must bring ourselves
as a righteous offering,
pleasing to the Lord.
© Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku of righteousness
The day is coming
to fulfil the promise to
Israel, Judah.
At that time, says God,
I'll make a righteous branch spring
up for King David.
Justice, righteousness;
these are what a nation needs.
All else is detail.
Justice, righteousness;
these are the gifts of the one
that God is sending.
Judah will be saved,
Jerusalem will be safe
when justice prevails.
The day is coming,
God says. On that day justice
brings life to the land.
© Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku of conclusion
They engaged a scribe
to record the final words
of David, the King.
God exalted him,
favoured him above others.
(Despite all his sins).
God's Spirit, said Dave,
speaks through me. His divine word
is upon my tongue.
Israel's Rock says:
A just ruler, fearing God
shines like the morning.
Like the sun rising,
gleaming like rain on the grass;
the king who is just.
God knows I am just.
He makes lasting covenant
with me and my house.
God secures my house,
He will cause it to prosper;
my help and desire.
© Ken Rookes 2024
Haiku of entreaty
Hannah was favoured
by Elkanah, but sadly,
she had no children.
Hannah wept. Husband
Elkanah spoke words of love
to reassure her.
At Shiloh, Hannah
prayed earnestly to the Lord;
See my misery!
Remember me, Lord.
Give me a child, a son; I'll
give him back to you.
Judge Eli, watching,
thought her drunk, rebuked Hannah:
Put away your wine!
Hannah protested,
Not drunk; merely pouring out
my heart before God.
Eli answered, Go
in peace; may Israel's God
grant your petition.
Back home in Ramah,
Hannah conceived, bore a son,
sang her song of praise.
I asked God for him
and the Lord has answered me.
Samuel's his name.
Hannah sang:
The barren bear fruit,
the mighty will be brought low,
and the poor raised up!
(Sound familiar?)
© Ken Rookes 2024
Some cheeky haiku
A cheeky story
unfolds. Widow Naomi
eyes kinsman, Boaz.
Tells Ruth: Wash, anoint
yourself, put on your best dress,
make yourself sexy.
Go to the threshing-
floor. Wait until he’s eaten,
watch where he lies down.
Go and uncover
his feet and lie there with him.
He will instruct you.
So it came to pass.
Boaz took Ruth and married
her. She bore a son.
Much celebration!
Naomi’s daughter-in-law
secures her future!
Naomi helped nurse
grandson Obed. His grandson
was David, the king.
Ruth's story tells us
that foreigners have faith, too.
Remember this truth.
© Ken Rookes 2024
