Not one of us

 Haiku of welcome

Wasn’t one of us,

casting out in Jesus’ name;

we told him to stop.

Complained to Jesus.

No probs. He’s not against us,

must be on our side!

When deeds of power

are done in my name, they bear

witness to my words.

The great welcomer;

Jesus looks a what we do,

not at our Tee-shirt.

When people bless you

because you carry my name,

they too, will be blessed.

Don’t make barriers

that cause the weak to stumble;

work to welcome them.

Let nothing stop you

from living the kingdom life.

It is ev’rything.

The kingdom’s good salt

is in you. Share peace and salt

with everyone.

© Ken Rookes 2021

Fulfilment

Haiku for followers

Sodium chloride,

commonly known as salt. What

to do without it?

Should salt lose its taste,

(an impossibility!)

it would be thrown out.

We are to be salt

imparting flavour and life

to an eager world.

Jesus came as light;

calling disciples to come

and reflect his life.

You too will be light

shining love into the dark.

Stand tall and shine bright.

He came to fulfil

the law, prophets; to correct

all the shortcomings.

Law has become dead,

none listen to the prophets;

hear what Jesus says.

In this present age

few listen to his teachings;

few there are who love.

They worship mammon

while the planet is burning.

They will not enter.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Salt and light

A haiku sequence

You are salt and light.

Salt to enhance life's flavours.

Light to dispel fear.

Be salt to your friends

and salt to those who struggle.

Affirm their living.

Darkness encroaches,

threatens what is good and true.

Rage against the night.

Shine incandescent:

glowing is your heritage.

You are light, shine on.

Shine on with your love,

bring hope to the ones who weep,

illuminate them.

Go out of your way

to bring light to dark places.

They're waiting for you.

Be salt and be light.

This is your divine calling

as children of God.

© Ken Rookes 2017

You are salt

 

The salt gives of itself,
accepting its modest part,
and knowing that its culinary duty
is not to dominate,
but to enhance.
Its freedom is generous,
it is there for the other;
profligate as it imparts its saltiness.

The master gathers his followers;
calls them salt,
at large upon earth.
The disciple pours out self recklessly,
to enhance the justice,
to build the peace;
knowing that hope is an elusive costly thing,
and that the apparently foolish vision
of a world seasoned and shaped by love,
was never imagined.

© Ken Rookes 2014