Only a boy

 

Only a boy

Reflecting on Jeremiah 1:4-10

Haiku for a call

Calls himself a boy,

Jeremiah; just how old?

fourteen, seventeen?

The word of the Lord

came to boy Jeremiah

to blow his young mind.

Before you were formed

in the womb I knew you; called

you to speak my word.

Seriously, God?

I don't know how I should speak!

I'm only a boy!

It's okay, said God,

Go where I send, speak my words;

fear not. I'll be there!

The Lord touched my mouth

with his hand. I put my words

in your mouth. Speak them!

I appoint you to

pluck up and pull down nations;

to build and to plant.

Samuel, David,

Jeremiah and Mary;

God's youthful brigade!

© Ken Rookes 2025

Bring us the law

Reflecting on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Haiku of the return

When separated

through exile, ancient teachings

were lost, forgotten.

The returned people

gathered in the square: Bring

us the law, they said.

Priest Ezra unrolled

the book of the law, and read.

The people listened.

They stood up to hear,

men, women, older children;

eager to receive.

Ezra read the law,

explaining, interpreting;

people understood.

They lifted their hands,

bowed their heads, and worshipped God.

Amen! they answered.

The leaders declared

a holiday: Eat, drink, share;

the Lord is your strength!

© Ken Rookes 2025

And your land, Married.

 

Isaiah 62:1-5

Haiku of vindication

Claiming the True God

as their own, Israel feels shame

at so much failure.

The chosen people

are to be restored, after

their years of disgrace.

Their restoration

is hardly a reward, but

rather comes from grace.

God makes promises:

Zion's vindication will

be seen by nations.

A crown of beauty

and a royal diadem

in the hand of God.

Desolate no more,

nor forsaken; the nation

becomes God's delight.

Call the land “Married.”

God is joined to God's people

in deep commitment.

A bridegroom takes joy

in his bride; so God takes joy

in Zion's children.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Fear not, I am with you.

Isaiah 43:1-7 

Haiku of assurance

The Lord speaks: Don't fear,

you are redeemed. I call you

by name; you are mine.

I will be with you,

flooding waters won't harm you,

nor will the fire burn.

God's playing favourite,

saves Israel; cares little

for lesser peoples!

Precious in God's sight

is Israel. More precious

than other nations?

Ancient promises

revealing exclusive views

of the deity.

The prophet declares

the unfailing love of God

bringing people home.

Created for God's

glory: Israel. Or so

these writings affirm.

© Ken Rookes 2025

No, I don't think that this passage has anything to say to the current situation in the Middle East.

I would expect that current prophets are those condemning the vengeance, violence and the killing, on all sides, and calling for peace.