A sign for us all

Haiku of the promised one

From the ancient line

of Jesse and David comes

one we have hoped for.

The Spirit of God,

of wisdom, understanding

shall rest upon him.

The Spirit of might,

counsel and fear of the Lord

shall rest upon him.

Righteousness guides him

when he delivers judgement

for the poor, the meek.

Such great metaphors:

wolf and lamb; leopard and kid

living peacefully.

Defenceless children

playing safely among snakes:

this image of peace.

The knowledge of God

will fill the earth. He shall be

a sign for us all.

© Ken Rookes 2022

Walk in God's light

Haiku of peaceful hope

The days are coming

when the nations will stream to

the house of the Lord.

Many peoples come,

saying, let’s seek Jacob’s God,

so to learn God’s ways.

They will say, Come, now,

We will learn the ways of God,

walk upon God’s paths.

From Zion, God’s word

comes forth, to instruct and guide

and show us God’s way.

God shall judge between

the nations, and determine

what is fair and just.

They shall beat their swords

and spears on anvils, into

ploughs and pruning hooks.

No more shall they learn

warfare; nations will not fight

or lift up their swords.

God’s light shines on all;

come, house of Jacob, let’s walk

in the light of God.

© Ken Rookes 2022

From David's Line

Haiku for a shepherd

The shepherds have failed,

the sheep are destroyed, scattered

and driven away.

Leaders stand accused,

they are evil, not taking

care of God’s people.

God will shepherd them,

gathering the remnant flock

from among the lands.

God’s sheep will return

to the safety of their fold;

no longer fearful.

The days are coming.

From David’s line shall be raised

a righteous ruler.

He shall reign as king

with wisdom, justice and truth.

And we shall be blessed.

Judah will be saved

Israel will live in safety;

Righteousness will reign.

We yearn for the day

when justice, hope, and peace reign;

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

© Ken Rookes 2022

New Creation Hope

Haiku for an ideal world

New creation hope;

a new heaven, a new earth.

We could do with that.

The old earth has failed;

its people weren’t up to it.

Not enough justice.

Renew your people,

God. We can do with having

our lives upended.

In Jerusalem

God rejoices, takes delight

in all God’s people.

All weeping will end

the cries of distress will pass

when God makes us new.

Death is in retreat

as longevity commands

the lives of us all.

Those who plant vineyards

will enjoy the fruit; labour

will not be in vain.

Peace and harmony,

abundant blessings will rest

upon God’s people.

The wolf and the lamb

feed together; imaging

God’s new reign of peace.

The day is coming

when power meets its limits

and justice prevails.

© Ken Rookes 2022