Only a boy

 

Only a boy

Reflecting on Jeremiah 1:4-10

Haiku for a call

Calls himself a boy,

Jeremiah; just how old?

fourteen, seventeen?

The word of the Lord

came to boy Jeremiah

to blow his young mind.

Before you were formed

in the womb I knew you; called

you to speak my word.

Seriously, God?

I don't know how I should speak!

I'm only a boy!

It's okay, said God,

Go where I send, speak my words;

fear not. I'll be there!

The Lord touched my mouth

with his hand. I put my words

in your mouth. Speak them!

I appoint you to

pluck up and pull down nations;

to build and to plant.

Samuel, David,

Jeremiah and Mary;

God's youthful brigade!

© Ken Rookes 2025

Harassed and helpless

Harassed and helpless

Haiku for labourers

Are they any less

harassed and helpless, the crowds

of the lost, today?

Caught up in the lies

and the dodgy promises

of fear peddlers.

Sheep without shepherds,

with none to watch over them,

and no-one who cares.

We care about you,

they cry, those seeking profit,

those craving power.

He sent out the twelve.

They are lost, they are fearful;

Touch their lives with love.

Tell them, The kingdom

is coming near. Share good news,

bring healing and hope.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Sent ahead

Haiku for mission

Seventy, there were,

in pairs, sent ahead of him

with a word of peace.

Jesus said to them,

The harvest is plentiful,

we must bring it in.

Be a labourer.

Tell of the kingdom’s good news;

touch them with new life.

You will be like lambs;

vulnerable. It’s all right;

that’s the way it is.

Those who follow me

must deal with hostility.

It is always so.

Travel light; no bag,

no purse. Don’t be distracted

from the work of peace.

Some will welcome you.

Stay with them, be satisfied.

Bring healing, breathe hope.

It is coming near,

God’s kingdom; we’re bringing it.

This is a great work.

Rejoining Jesus

they spoke with joy and wonder

of what they had seen.

© Ken Rookes 2019

Belonging, not belonging

Haiku for strangers

You gave them to me,

companions on the journey

towards the kingdom.

I made your name known.

They listened, learning from me,

and keeping your word.

They know that it all

has come from you; ev’rything

that I gave to them.

The hour comes soon

when I can’t be here for them,

to keep my friends safe.

Although I must go,

The world shall remain their home.

Father, protect them.

The world is hostile

to those who are of the truth,

those who don’t belong.

Never my true home,

now my friends are strangers too;

eyes fixed on God’s word.

Here they must remain,

it is here love’s work goes on,

my joy made complete.

They know you sent me.

As I was sent to the world

I am sending them.

© Ken Rookes 2018

See, I am sending you.

A cluster of haiku

As lambs among wolves,

so, my friends, I send you out:

bearers of good news.

Pronounce God's shalom.

The blessing will find a home

in children of peace.

As they welcome you

those people, too, will be blessed;

God's reign coming near.

Not all will listen,

some will not see the kingdom.

Still, it has come near.

© Ken Rookes 2016

Peace to this house

The bearers of Peace, it is said,

carry no purse, bag or sandals.

They come, unexpected, and uninvited.

Few receive them, or their message;

most are suspicious,

asking what is in it for them.

Stillness is little valued

among people busy to accumulate;

like modesty and humility,

it is regarded as a relic

from less-clever times.

Peace itself is no passive thing,

capturing those who receive it

and bringing demands

that are not universally welcomed.

Peace expects contentment for oneself,

generosity towards one’s neighbour,

(no matter how undeserving),

and outrage on behalf of the oppressed,

the wretched and the violated.

“Peace to this house!” is considered, at best,

an uncertain blessing.

© Ken Rookes 2013