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

A renewed people

 Haiku of promise

Prophet Isaiah

brings words of consolation,

hope for his people.

The days of sorrow

and suffering, they will pass;

rejoicing follows.

God is generous:

gives garments of salvation

robes of righteousness.

They spring up like shoots

in God’s abundant garden:

righeousness and praise.

The prophet cries out,

unable to keep silent

at God’s salvation.

Before the nations

Zion stands vindicated,

shining like the dawn.

There for the nations

to witness; God’s salvation,

like a burning torch!

A renewed people

warrant a new name; The Lord

will spread it abroad.

God’s faithful people,

a lovely crown, a royal

diadem for God.

© Ken Rookes 2023

Joy and singing

Haiku for a blooming desert

When God’s Redeemed come

back to Zion, deserts burst

forth with joy and song.

The celebration;

a measure of God’s glory,

here, with God’s people.

Be strong, do not fear;

your God is here. God will come

and God will save you.

Blind eyes will open

and deaf ears will be unstopped.

The lame leap like deer!

In the wilderness

water will spring up, and streams

flow in the desert.

Life will be God’s gift

in the desert, and among

people ev’ry where.

God will make a way

for the faithful. To a realm

of safety and hope.

The song continues

with God’s people rejoicing

in God’s grace and love.

© Ken Rookes 2022