Before all else, Christ.

Responding to Colossians 1:15-28

Haiku

Christ is the image

of the invisible God;

all things came through him.

Thrones and dominions,

rulers, powers; they're nothing,

he comes before all.

He's the beginning,

head of the body, the Church,

firstborn from the dead.

In him God's fullness

was pleased to dwell,

ending estrangement.

Those who were estranged

are now reconciled through Christ,

and find peace with God

Our own sufferings

don't count; We participate

in Christ's afflictions.

We share the myst'ry

of Christ's presence, that we may

find ourselves in Him.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Even in the church

Haiku of restoration.

Words on Jesus’ lips:

how the church should respond to

sinful behaviour.

We all make mistakes

do the wrong thing, hurt others;

needing forgiveness.

Even in the church

we fall short. How to react,

that is the challenge.

Save embarrassment

with a quiet word, hoping

to be reconciled.

Everybody

doesn’t want to sort things out.

Do the best you can.

If you get nowhere

don’t sweat on it. Let them go,

but don’t stop hoping.

He is surely here

in the grace and forgiveness,

as the gathering.

© Ken Rookes 2020

You have heard that it was said (1)

A haiku sequence,

Going beyond law.

You have heard that it was said;

but I say to you.

You shall not murder;

but anger with a brother

also is a sin.

Insult a sister

or call a brother “you fool,”

this will bring judgement.

Don't attend worship

if you have caused an offence;

first be reconciled.

If you are accused

don't wait 'til it gets to court,

sort it out before.

No adultery,

but even looking with lust

damages the heart.

If your hand or eye

leads you astray, discard it.

Live with truth and grace.

Do not swear falsely;

better still, don't swear at all.

Stick with 'yes' and 'no.'

He rewrote the law,

calling forth our better selves;

for the sake of love.

© Ken Rookes 2017