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

Love, Power, self-control

 

Haiku responding to 2 Tim 1:1-14

The writer opens:

Timothy, beloved child,

Grace, mercy and peace.

The letter proceeds:

I give thanks to God for you;

praying night and day.

Recalling your tears,

I long to see you, that I

may be filled with joy!

Profound faith, learned from

your mother and grandmother

lives strongly in you.

Rekindle the gift

that you received from God, when

hands were laid on you.

God did not give us

a spirit of fear, but love

power, self control.

Join me in suff'ring

for the gospel; trust in God,

the power God gives.

God's power saves us,

our calling is holy, we're

saved by grace, not works.

Grace was always here,

is now revealed in Jesus

through the gospel's light.

Suff'ring for Christ's sake

brings no shame. I put my trust

in him; he guards me.

I taught you soundly,

hold to that standard; in faith,

love, through the Spirit.

Ken Rookes 2025

The good fight

Haiku responding to 1 Tim 6:6-19

Godliness brings gain

and contentment. Accepting

the life God gives you.

We can bring nothing

with us into the world, take

nothing out of it.

Food, shelter, clothing,

these we need; if we have these

we should be content.

Those who want riches

are trapped by harmful desires

that will ruin them.

The love of money

is the root of all evil;

leading them astray.

Pursue righteousness,

godliness, faith, endurance

gentleness and love.

The good fight of faith

must be fought. Eternal life

is yours; grasp it well.

Those who are rich now

need to put their trust in God,

who truly provides.

Be rich in good works,

generous, sharing; building

a strong foundation.

Like the rest of us,

the rich must find their true life

in God, not in wealth.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Quiet and peaceable

 Haiku responding to 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Supplications, prayers

intercessions; we make them

for those who rule us.

We would live quiet

and peaceable lives; godly,

and with dignity.

It is right to live

godly lives, demonstrating

faith in our Saviour.

God wants ev'ryone

to be saved, to come to know

the truth. God is one.

God is one. Jesus,

himself human, mediates

between God and us.

I'm an apostle,

called by God to those outside,

teaching faith and truth.

© Ken Rookes 2025

It's all about grace

Haiku responding to 1 Timothy 1:12-17

It's all about grace.

The writer shows gratitude

for new life in Christ.

Listing his failures,

which are many, the writer

expresses wonder.

He called me to serve;

I, who had blasphemed, a man

of violence. What grace!

The grace of our Lord

overflowed for me, pouring

out Christ's faith and love.

The saying is sure:

Christ Jesus came among us

to save the sinful.

First among sinners,

I received mercy, showing

the patience of Christ.

If I can receive,

by faith, Christ's eternal life,

so can anyone!

To the ageless King

immortal, be honour and

glory, forever!

© Ken Rookes 2025