Worthy of God's call

Haiku responding to 2 Thes 1:1-4, 11-12

They write to the church

at Thessaloniki; Paul,

Silas, Timothy.

A greeting of peace

and grace; reflecting their love,

expressing their thanks.

They commend the faith

growing abundantly, at

Thessaloniki.

The love grows, too;

source of wonder and delight.

The writers take pride.

They boast of the love

and steadfast faith in the face

of persecutions.

We pray that God will

empower you, and make you

worthy of God's call.

May you bring glory

to Jesus' name, according

to the grace of God!

© Ken Rookes 2025

The race completed

Haiku responding to 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18

Ready to depart.

The purported apostle

writes to Timothy.

An offering poured

out before God. He's at peace,

holding nothing back.

He's fought the good fight,

he has completed the race,

he has kept the faith.

He's ready to claim

the crown of righteousness that

God has promised him.

He had stood alone,

no one came to help, but he

doesn't hold a grudge.

The Lord stood by me,

gave me strength, allowing me

to preach the gospel.

The gentiles have heard

because the Lord rescued me;

God still keeps me safe.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Continue in the faith

Haiku responding to 2 Tim 3:14 - 4:5

Continue in faith,

that which you learned and believed

from your youngest days.

All your life you've known

sacred writings that instruct

about salvation.

Scripture is inspired

by God. It instructs, corrects,

leads to righteousness.

As a child of God

you should be well trained, equipped

for ev'ry good work.

Proclaim the message

with persistence. Be patient,

and encouraging.

With time, sound teaching

will be shunned; people will choose

teachers that please them.

Many folk will turn

from truth, preferring easy

lies and foolish myths.

Live truly, endure

suffering, share the good news,

fulfil your calling.

© Ken Rookes 2025

A worker, unashamed.

Haiku responding to 2 Timothy 2:8-15

I've been in prison

for the sake of the gospel:

Jesus Christ, risen.

Enduring hardship

that the many might be saved;

God's word is not chained!

The saying is sure:

we have died with Christ Jesus;

so we live with him.

We endure; we reign

with him. Should we deny him,

he will deny us.

Should we prove faithless,

he will stay faithful. Unreal,

that is who he is!

Trivial disputes

should be avoided; they do

no one any good.

Bring yourself to God

as one approved; without shame,

a worker for truth.

© Ken Rookes 2025