This Sunday completes our mini series on the Gospel in the Old Teatament. Reflecting on Isaiah 53:4-12, we will entertain the questions, how do sheep benefit from a goat and did Jesus have children? Our Lenten symbol for Christ's sacrifice will be a knife representing the spear that pierced Jesus' side, John 19:31-37. As the Gospel is in Isaiah, no bones broken fulfilled Exodus 12:46; Num. 9:12; Psalm 34:20 and the thrust of a spear completed Zechariah 12:10.

We continue in Lent with the Gospel in the Old Testament, Isaiah 52:13-16 and 53:1-12.This week, we'll move into chapter 53 and address the questions, who has believed the message of the Messiah and how do sheep benefit from a goat? Last week we asked, "Is the blood of Christ on you? Yes! We are all guilty of sin, desperate for mercy. Yes! That same blood is on us as our redemption, "so will He sprinkle many nations" (His church all over the world) Isaiah 53:15.We are a blood bought people.

Looking at Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12. These Isaiah passages are a prime example of the saying: the New Testament is in the Old concealed and the Old Testament is in the New revealed.

Racism. In these times fraught with political factions, racial divide and "white guilt," we as Christians are sometimes at a loss for how we should respond. God calls us to recognize the real enemy, reject the world's interpretation of events, and to resolve to fight our enemy in God's way!

If we avoid the realities of immigration, we risk missing out on an incredible missional opportunity.

Connecting the Dots. Even when the dots don't connect, or when we wished some didn't, we can trust the Lord of the seasons. The big picture is beyond us. The Lord is with us. The day will come when "every activity under heaven" makes sense. Amidst much disconnect, let's remain connected as we gather this Sunday around the Lord's table.

As we at Creekside spring forth into a new Season, we need to continue to cultivate the fruit that nourishes our souls. Letting the Spirit manifest itself through us gives us what we are starved for: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Creekside is springing forth into a new season. Recent staff changes have positively motivated our leadership team to explore the Lord's paths for us individually and collectively. This Sunday Pastor Vic will again teach from Psalm 23. He'll be highlighting the progression of the four seasons in the Psalm. It goes from winter in green pastures (vs. 2) to the table prepared for us (vs. 5).