Which one?

Haiku for an ordered process

Calling a meeting

of the hundred and twenty,

Peter stood to speak.

Having defected,

Judas needs to be replaced.

Twelve is the number!

Some have been with them

since the beginning; from these

they select two men.

Joseph, Matthias,

these two are likely prospects.

They pray, and cast lots.

Lord, show us which one

you have chosen to serve Christ

as an apostle.

The lot fell upon

Matthias. He was brought in

to make up the twelve.

© Ken Rookes 2024

All in common

Utopian haiku

Is it socialist,

this challenging description

of the early church?

They thought that their Lord

would return soon; possessions

no longer mattered!

Believers trusting

God, and trusting each other.

I like to think so.

Grace surrounding them;

God’s grace revealed in Jesus

shining out through them

No one was in need.

Generosity, sharing;

the pattern of life.

Lands and houses sold,

with the proceeds freely shared.

All held in common.

Powerful witness

to resurrection grace, hope;

made real in their midst.

His return delayed,

the socialist venture ends.

A pity, really.

© Ken Rookes 2024

The first believers

Haiku for lefties

 

The first believers

living for fellowship, prayer,

the breaking of bread.

The signs were many,

the wonders, too. Apostles

doing Jesus’ work.

 

Awe rested on them.

With no thought for tomorrow

they shared all they had.

Selling possessions

and worldly goods, the proceeds

shared with the needy.

Praying together

in the temple, breaking bread

in each other’s home.

People were impressed;

day by day new folk joined them,

put their trust in God.

So utopian,

this social experiment;

shame it didn’t last.

Ken Rookes 2023