My life is in Christ

Haiku responding to Phil 1:21-30

My life is in Christ;

my death, also. When I die,

I will be with him.

In my earthly life

I labour to be fruitful;

should I live, or die?

How to choose? I would

depart, be with Christ; but to

stay is best for you.

Yes, I shall remain

that you might grow in your faith

and boast in Jesus.

Live your gospel life.

Whether I'm here or absent

I'll know you stand firm.

Striving together

in one spirit, of one mind,

afraid of no one

Their opposition

attests to their destruction;

shows your salvation.

God has done all this,

allowing you to believe,

and suffer for Christ.

© Ken Rookes 2026

The big question

Haiku for disciples

It’s the big question:

Who do people say I am?

Have to think on that.

A prophet, for sure;

just like John the Baptiser,

even Elijah!

But what about you,

you who journey beside me

you who know me well?

Breaking the silence

Peter, fisherman, spoke up:

You must be the Christ!

Perhaps I am he,

but do not speak of these things;

they won’t understand.

He began to teach:

The Son of Man will suffer

and he will be killed.

Once more to Peter:

Please don’t talk like that, he said;

This cannot be true.

It is true for me,

and it will be true for you,

if you follow me.

To gain the whole world

is not the same as true life;

to gain, you must lose.

Be my followers.

Take up your cross, just like me,

and take on the world!

© Ken Rookes 2018

For this reason

Haiku for those who seek

Some Greeks found Philip,

knew he was a follower,

asked to see Jesus.

Jesus met with them,

laid it out straight and simple;
The seed has to die.

To be made fruitful

the grain of wheat is buried

and dies to itself.

The same for us all;

if you want to save your life,

you must give it up.

Become my servant.

You must follow after me

to the hard places

My soul is troubled,

not looking forward to it:

the coming hour.

Should I entreat God

to spare the pain and dying?

No, it’s why I came.

The voice from heaven:

God’s name has been glorified

and will be again.

As he is lifted

Jesus changes ev’rything,

restores creation.

© Ken Rookes 2018