United in Christ

Haiku responding to Romans 15:4-13

In days past, scriptures

were written for instruction,

encouragement, hope.

May the steadfast God

draw you together in love.

Live in harmony.

United in Christ

may you sing as with one voice

to glorify God.

As Christ welcomed you

so you must show your welcome

to one another.

Jesus came to serve

Jew and gentile, confirming

ancient promises.

So many scriptures

promise hope for the gentiles:

Rejoice, O gentiles!

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace.

The Spirit gives hope.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Pictures

Pictures

Isaiah 11:1-12

Prophetic pictures of justice,
peace and harmony
in an advent abundance;
tree stumps and shoots,
lambs and wolves,
calves and lions.
There are a few places
where such images occur:
upon artist’s canvases,
in poet’s verses,
within the songs of the innocent,
and in the ever-churning recesses
of the divine mind.
God, though, is no wide-eyed optimist,
having experienced first-hand
the depths of human fear,
vengeance and cruelty.
Still the Almighty has not stopped hoping.
In God’s mind, apparently,
is an idea;
bold and audacious,
waiting fulfilment from the beginning of time.
It is plan of deep wonder,
of sad beauty,
painful love,
and the unexpected leading
of a little child.

© Ken Rookes