An understanding mind

 Haiku for a succession

David’s reign ended

with his death; he was buried

in Jerusalem.

His rule had been long,

forty years in all. His reign

brought stability.

Solomon followed

David as king.. We are told

that he loved the Lord.

Seeking God’s favour,

Solomon burns incense, makes

many offerings.

God speaks in a dream.

What do you ask of me, now

that you reign as king?

Solomon answers:

You were good to my father;

look upon my youth.

I would rule wisely

and govern well; grant me an

understanding mind.

The Lord is well pleased.

You asked for wisdom; granted,

you’ll have it in spades.

As well a wisdom

I’ll give you honour and wealth;

there’ll be none like you.

I’ll give you long life,

too, if you walk in my ways,

like your father did.

© Ken Rookes 2024

Elijah is taken up

Haiku for a succession

The aging prophet,

Elijah, was on the move;

Gilgal to Bethal.

He told Elisha,

Wait here. No, said his junior,

I will not leave you.

The local prophets

announce: This day your master

will depart! I know.

The action repeats.

Bethel, Jericho and Jordan;

they all have a go.

Rolling his mantle

Elijah struck the water.

The Jordan parted.

The old prophet asked

Elisha, Make a request

before I depart.

A double portion

of your spirit! That my friend

is quite a big ask.

If you can see me

as I am taken from you,

it will be granted.

Chariot, horses

of fire separated them;

and then the whirlwind.

Father, my father!

he cried, as the old prophet

ascended on high.

© Ken Rookes 2024

It is not for you

Haiku for an ending

Moses has grown old.

Years of desert wanderings

end at Mt Nebo.

Look upon the land,

says God: Gilead, Ephraim,

Jericho, Judah.

I swore to Jacob,

Isaac and Abraham, this

land is for their heirs.

It is not for you.

I show it to you, but, no;

you shall not cross there.

Weary, but fulfilled,

he has seen the promised land;

Moses is at rest.

Moses, God’s servant,

was buried in Moab; his

grave remains unmarked.

He was unequalled

in signs and wonders; knowing

the Lord face to face.

Israel’s new leader

is Joshua; wise, chosen

by Moses and God.

© 2023 Ken Rookes

Handing over

 

Haiku of succession

Succession planning

is a challenge. Elijah

somehow managed it.

I will not leave you

Elisha declared, when his

master’s time drew near.

Gilgal to Bethel,

then to the Jordan they went,

inseparable.

What would you have me

do for you? A double share

of your spirit, please.

As they walked and talked

a chariot descended,

fiery, between them.

Elijah ascends

in the whirlwind, Elisha

calls out: My Father!

Elisha takes up

the fallen mantle, also

the prophet’s worries.

© Ken Rookes 2002

I'm focusing on the Old Testament for a while. For a gospel response, check the archives for a similar time in 2013, 2016 or 2019