Urgings and Encouragements

Haiku responding to 1 Thes 2:9-13

Recall our labour,

brothers, sisters; how we worked

not to burden you.

We worked night and day

so that you might hear from us

the gospel from God.

You witnessed, with God,

how pure, upright and blameless

we were toward you.

We were like parents,

urging, encouraging you all

to lead worthy lives.

We keep thanking God

that, hearing the word from us,

you knew it as God's.

We give thanks that God's

word that led you to believe,

is at work in you.

© Ken Rookes 2026

Let no one deceive you

 

Haiku responding to 1 Thes 2:1-8

A cosmic contest

when the Lord returns to take

on the lawless one.

No doubt Paul's readers

knew of whom he was writing,

this man without law.

Paul gives the warning:

don't be shaken or alarmed,

and don't be deceived.

Troubles and struggles

will come, but be reassured,

the Lord will prevail.

It's all a bit much;

obscure references leaving

us guessing today

The lawless ones still

grasp power, oppress, deceive;

making themselves God.

They exalt themselves.

We refuse to worship them,

we will stay faithful.

Paul's warnings remain,

the faithful must hold firm; stand

against the lawless.

© Ken Rookes 2026

We thank God for you

Haiku responding to 1 Thes 1:1-10

Paul and his comrades

send greetings to the church in

Thessalonika.

Grace to you, and peace,

from God the Father, and from

the Lord Jesus Christ.

We thank God for you,

sisters and brothers, knowing

how you grow in faith.

We hear of the love

you share; we make boast of it

among the churches.

We boast of your faith

knowing the persecutions

you are enduring.

You are judged righteous,

worthy of God's kingdom, for

which you have suffered.

Those who afflict you

will be repaid by God, leave

the vengeance to God.

They will be punished,

cut off from God's presence, when

Jesus is revealed.

Eschatology.

Straight forward in Paul's thinking;

we're left wondering.

© Ken Rookes 2026

Think about these things

 

Haiku responding to Phil 4:1-9

Therefore, my sisters,

my brothers whom I long for,

stand firm in the Lord.

You leading women,

agree and work together;

you others, help them!

My coworkers, how

we struggled for the gospel!

God's book holds your names.

Rejoice in the Lord!

There is much to celebrate,

so rejoice always.

The Lord has come near.

Let all see your gentleness;

do not be anxious.

Pray with thanksgiving,

make your requests known to God;

God's peace will guard you.

Whatever is true,

of honour, just, pure, pleasing;

think about these things.

Commendable things,

excellent, worthy of praise;

dwell on these things, too.

What I have taught you

in words and deeds, do these things;

God will give you peace.

© Ken Rookes 2026