Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog
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
