The riches of God's grace

Haiku responding to Eph.. 1:3-14

Blessed be the God

and Father of Jesus Christ

who has blessed us all.

He chose us in Christ

before the world's creation

to live in his love.

We have been destined

for adoption as children

by God, through Jesus.

We have forgiveness

through the riches of God's grace,

lavished upon us.

God's plan is for all,

to be gathered in Christ, in

heaven and on earth.

Our inheritance

in Christ is our destiny;

to glorify God

We who heard the truth

of the gospel, and believed,

received God's Spirit.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Suffering joins us

 

Haiku responding to Heb 2:10-18

Suffering joins us

in common humanity

and links us with God.

We are made holy

through Jesus; with him we are

all children of God.

Sharing flesh and blood,

Jesus, through death, defeated

the power of death.

We no longer fear

death, Jesus has set us free

from death's slavery.

Jesus came for us,

(not angels!), to make us his

brothers and sisters.

He frees us from sin.

(Is sacrifice, atonement,

the only process?)

Jesus was tested

by what he suffered; he helps

all who are tested.

© Ken Rookes 2025

The trip to Bethlehem

Haiku responding to Lk 2:1-14

A head-count becomes

the occasion for the trip

to Bethlehem town.

Joseph took Mary

to the city of David;

he was from that tribe.

Mary delivered

her baby in a stable.

(No room in the inn!)

Shepherds in the fields,

(low on the pecking order),

watching sheep at night.

An angel arrived,

speaking God's good news: Fear not,

I tell of great joy!

A child has been born

in Bethlehem, David's town,

a Saviour, the Christ.

This will be a sign;

he's lying in a manger,

wrapped in bands of cloth.

A mob of angels

turn up, praising God, singing:

Peace to all on earth!

© Ken Rookes 2025 

You also belong to Christ

Haiku responding to Romans 1:1-7

Paul, servant of Christ,

unknown to the church in Rome,

gives his credentials.

I was set apart

for the gospel; called by Christ

as an apostle.

The gospel: promised

by the prophets, realised

through Jesus, God's Son.

His resurrection

from the dead established him

as the Son of God.

By grace he called us

as apostles, that gentiles

might come to know faith.

You are included;

you also belong to Christ,

having received grace.

Greetings, beloved

Romans; called as saints of God.

Grace to you, and peace!

© Ken Rookes 2025

You must be patient

Haiku responding to James 5:7-10

Be patient, therefore,

brothers and sisters, waiting

for the Lord to come.

As the farmer waits

the rain that waters the crop.

you must be patient.

You must be patient.

Strengthen you hearts; be ready,

for the Lord is near.

Brothers and sisters,

don't complain against your mates;

then you won't be judged.

God isn't intent

on judging you; do nothing

that leads to judgement.

Be like the prophets

who spoke in the name of God,

suffer with patience.

© Ken Rookes 2025

United in Christ

Haiku responding to Romans 15:4-13

In days past, scriptures

were written for instruction,

encouragement, hope.

May the steadfast God

draw you together in love.

Live in harmony.

United in Christ

may you sing as with one voice

to glorify God.

As Christ welcomed you

so you must show your welcome

to one another.

Jesus came to serve

Jew and gentile, confirming

ancient promises.

So many scriptures

promise hope for the gentiles:

Rejoice, O gentiles!

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace.

The Spirit gives hope.

© Ken Rookes 2025