Praying for his friends

Haiku to unite

He’s praying for them.

Jesus knows his time is near,

and prays for his friends.

Knows the day comes near

when they will need each other

and must stand as one.

Not just for his friends

but for those who hear their words;

he prays for them, too.

This unity thing:

Jesus one with his Father,

Jesus one with us.

I and you and them;

much mutual indwelling

speaking unity.

From the beginning,

splashing over ev’ryone,

love, divine and true.

Witness to the world

with your unity and love,

prove that you are mine.

A love explosion!

Yours for me, growing in them,

united in love.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Now that day was a Sabbath

Haiku by the pool.

In Jerusalem

many invalids, blind, lame,

wait beside the pool.

When the water stirs,

according to tradition,

healing is present.

Portico people

hoping for this lottery

to deliver life.

At the Sheep Gate pool

the lame man lies, unable

to enter in time.

Jesus came, asking

Do you want to be made well?

Did he need to ask?

Stand, he told the man,

Take your mat and take a walk.

That is what he did.

It was the Sabbath

when Jesus made the man well;

most reckless of him.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Commandment

Haiku of supreme importance

People sing Glory!

raising hands in ecstacy;

doesn’t mean a thing.

Don’t care what you say,

there’s just one way to glory;

a pathway through death.

Soon I will be gone,

you cannot go there with me,

where I am going.

Listening to God,

following God’s commandments;

these things bring glory.

Another command,

(call it new, but it’s been said),

just love each other.

Actions filled with love!

This is how I have loved you;

that’s what you must do.

Everyone will know

that you belong to my group

when you live in love.

There’s no other way,

forget raised arms, words and songs:

it’s only by love.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Tell us plainly

Haiku of the sheep

Who are you? they ask.

Tell us plainly, are you he

who God is sending?

You’re not serious,

he answered them. I’ve told you,

but you won’t believe.

You aren’t intrested

in what I have to tell you,

so stop pretending.

My sheep hear my voice,

they listen to my teachings

and they follow me.

I give them my life

and so we walk together

towards God’s kingdom.

They need have no fear;

I hold these sheep in my hand.

God gave them to me.

We act together,

the Father and I; working

to bring life and hope.

© Ken Rookes 2019