Don't judge

Haiku responding to Rom 14:1-12

Dietary rules

are not a concern for those

of a mature faith.

Extend a welcome

to those who are weak in faith,

don't quarrel with them.

Some eat anything,

others only vegetables;

don't judge each other.

God welcomes them all,

so don't judge people by what

foods they choose to eat.

The same with holy

days; observe or don't observe,

do it for the Lord.

It's not for ourselves

that we live, or that we die;

we belong to God.

Christ died, lived again,

that he might be Lord, of both

the dead and living.

When we pass judgement

we despise each other. God

judges each of us.

Ev'ry knee shall bow

before God, and ev'ry tongue

shall give praise to God.

We are not to judge.

Each of us must give account

of ourselves to God.

© Ken Rookes 2026

Deborah takes control

Haiku for a woman judge

Israel’s children

happily ensconced out there,

in their promised land.

They were not faithful;

so, the ancient tale tells us,

God abandoned them.

Canaan’s King Jabin

with Commander Sisera

oppress the people.

They suffered cruelly.

Oppressed by their enemies

They cried out to God.

Prophet Deborah

was Judging Israel, then.

That’s right; a woman!

She sent for Barak,

instructing him: God commands,

go to Mount Tabor.

Take ten thousand men;

an army from Napthali

and from Zebulun.

Sisera will come

to meet you with his army,

You will defeat him.

 

History written

by the winners. Black and white;

God is on our side

© Ken Rookes 2023

Justice and Faith

Haiku for grabbing hold

Another story

from the story-telling man;

and more surprises.

The judge didn’t care

about the law, or people,

or what God wanted.

The judge was corrupt;

if you had enough money

you’d get your verdict.

She is a widow,

pestering, seeking justice;

the judge refuses.

She doesn’t give up,

keeps on with her bothering.

until he gives in.

She achieved justice,

grabbed it tight, not letting go.

God is easier.

Belonging to God,

day and night they are crying

for help, and it comes!

Justice is God’s work.

God’s people can be assured

it will be granted.

Justice and faith,

these two, beloved of God,

shaping God’s people.

© Ken Rookes 2019