The Spiritual Journey (3)

Bible Reading:

Exodus 13:20-22, 14:21-28, 15:22-25

We have already seen how the Israelites, while in Rameses in Egypt, obeyed the Lord’s instructions given through Moses regarding three appointed festivals:

1. Passover – experiencing Christ as our eternal life.

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread – experiencing Christ as our holy life.

3. Consecration of the Firstborn to God – experiencing Christ as our Lord.

Only after observing these did they officially begin their journey out of Egypt, setting forth on the wilderness path.

IV. Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire (Exo 13:20–22) — Christ’s Guidance — Led by the Holy Spirit and the Bible

[Succoth]

When the Israelites departed from Rameses in Egypt and began their journey into the wilderness, they faced an endless, desolate expanse with no roads to follow and no signs to guide them. With two to three million men, women, and children—how could they find their way? Thank God! Exodus 13:20–22 records: "So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people."

This passage tells us that during the day, the Lord dwelled within the pillar of cloud to guide the people. The cloud shaded them from the scorching sun, providing comfort and protection. At night, the Lord caused the cloud to glow like fire, illuminating their path when darkness covered the land. From Succoth onward, the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire led the people through the wilderness for forty years until they reached the Promised Land of Canaan.

This historical reality illustrates how God guides the life of every believer—through the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire—until we enter into the fullness of Christ. Since the moment we were born again and saved, the Lord has been our guide, leading us step by step toward glory. If anyone among the Israelites refused to follow the guidance of the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, he would be left behind and lost in the wilderness. For forty years, they relied on this divine guidance—until they finally entered the land of promise.

Thank God! Since the day we were born again, the Lord Jesus has dwelt in you and me. He also leads us into His fullness with the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. In terms of typologies, the "pillar of cloud" represnts the Holy Spirit, while the "pillar of fire" represents the Bible (the word of God). It is only by relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word throughout our lives that we can enter into the fullness of Christ. Now let us look at how God used the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire to lead the Israelites along the Lord’s path..

1. The Pillar of Cloud（Exodus 13:21-22）

   The first step was to guide them with a pillar of clouds. The "pillar of cloud" typifies the Holy Spirit. After the Lord Jesus was crucified and completed his redemption, God raised Him from the dead by His mighty power on the third day. Forty days later, God received Him into heaven, and following His ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within the disciples on the day of Pentecost. This Spirit remains with us forever, just as in the days of old when the Israelites were guided with a pillar of cloud during the daytime. "Daytime" refers to when we can physically see with our eye. Spiritually speaking, it is when our spirits are transparent, bright, and clear. It is at these times that we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit leading us to understand, and we live our lives according to this voice. This aligns with the Lord Jesus' promise to His disciples before His departure, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26) It implies that today, the Holy Spirit who dwells in us will teach us in all things. In fact, the elderly apostle John tells us in 1 John 2:27: "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."

   In former times, when the Israelites saw the pillar of cloud move during the day, all of them—men, women, young and old alike—would immediately set out and journey through the wilderness. In the same way, today the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer who received the grace and are saved. Whether new believers or those who have believed for years, each one should live, work, and serve according to the voice, guidance, and teaching of the Holy Spirit throughout their life. Regarding the experience of the Holy Spirit’s leading, we will briefly mention three basic dynamics.

   1. Prohibiting (Not permitting)

      One of the works of the Holy Spirit is prohibiting—or not permitting. When our living, work, or ministry is not from the Lord, the Holy Spirit will prohibit us. Acts 16:6–7 records: "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them." This passage speaks of how the Holy Spirit forbade Paul from preaching the gospel in Asia, and later, when he intended to go to Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus again did not permit him. From this, we can see that when our actions are not from the Lord, the Holy Spirit will prohibit us—causing a sense of unrest, inappropriateness, or discomfort in our spirit. It's like the frequent power outages in the Philippines, when the electricity is suddenly cut off. Or like the great earthquake in San Francisco when the entire city's power supply was instantly cut—lights went out, and even cable cars couldn’t operate. This “power-off” feeling is like the Spirit of Jesus prohibiting and blocking us from within.

      A young brother once testified one Thursday. One morning, he planned to go to the Jefferson Library in Makati. However, just before he stepped out, he felt deeply unsettled and uneasy inside—as though the Holy Spirit was forbidding him from going. So he stopped and asked the Lord, “Lord, if You do not want me to go to Makati, I am willing to obey.” Then he headed to the church instead. Upon arrival, he saw the brothers busy repairing electrical devices and went to help. The next morning when he casually opened the newspaper, he read that a bomb had exploded at the Jefferson Library the previous day. Only then did he understand why the Holy Spirit had prohibited him from going there. Hallelujah!

   2. Moving (Prompting)

      1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells us: "Do not quench the Spirit." This means that when we do things or interact with others—especially in our service to the Lord—we must pay attention to the Spirit’s prompting. It’s as though there is an urging within our spirit.

      One day, a brother was sitting in the outdoor corridor behind the deacon’s office at the ground floor of the church, resting on a marble bench. Suddenly, he felt the Spirit’s prompting, urging him to leave. He obeyed and left the area. Moments later, a large section of debris from the stone wall above came crashing down right onto the very bench where he had just been seated. Oh! He gave thanks and praise to the Lord, while marveling at the Spirit’s prompting—so wondrous, so sweet. That evening, he testified that had he not obeyed the Spirit’s prompting, he might have died of the accident. This shows how important it is in a believer’s experience to follow the pillar of cloud and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord graciously help us to remain attentive and obedient to the Spirit’s urging, so that we may walk peacefully under His divine leading.

   3. Instructing

      1 John 2:27 says, “The anointing teaches you concerning all things.” This means that the small voice of the Holy Spirit will express or indicates a thought to us inwardly. Years ago, while I was serving in Taipei, I took the opportunity to publish some of my writings. Before returning to Manila, I packed several bundles of the newly printed books to bring back. But the Holy Spirit instructed me: “Just bring two bundles.” So I obeyed. The following day, upon arriving at Manila airport and passing through customs, the inspection officers opened the packages and said, “These are new books, so you need to pay a duty—96 pesos.” I had printed and brought books very year, and had never been taxed before, so I hadn’t brought much cash with me. I gathered all the money I had in my pockets—and astonishingly, the total was exactly 96 pesos, not a cent more or less. This small example clearly shows how precise the Holy Spirit’s instruction can be.

2. The Pillar of Fire (Exodus 13:21–22)

   When the sun had set, night fell, and darkness covered the land—at the moment when the Israelites in the wilderness could no longer discern the path—God caused the pillar of cloud to shine forth, becoming a pillar of fire to guide their way. The "pillar of fire" typifies the Bible (God’s Word). Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." A “lamp and light” serve as instruments that illuminate and guide. There are times when our spirit is clouded, our perception dull—just like walking in the night. Or perhaps our spiritual condition is not clear, even confused or darkened. It is in such moments that God uses the pillar of fire—His Word—to guide us in our way.

   1. Explicit Teachings of the Bible

      One aspect of how God’s Word (the Bible) guides believers is through its explicit teachings. Scripture teaches that we should gather together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), for this is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:23–24). When we gather according to the Lord’s Word, we are following the pillar of fire. Therefore, anyone who does not attend the Lord’s Day gatherings is not following the pillar of fire, nor walking according to the Bible’s guidance—and naturally, cannot truly enter into the fullness of Christ.

      There was a God-loving Christian named Eric, a world-renowned sprinter in the 100-meter race. One of his competitions happened to be scheduled on a Sunday. Out of reverence for the Lord and his conviction to keep the Lord’s Day holy, he resolutely decided to forgo the race. Many supporters felt sorry for him, but he replied, “I do not envy the gold medal—I want the Lord Jesus.” Remarkably, his teammate was unable to participate in the 400-meter race later that week—on a Thursday—and Eric was chosen to represent instead. Not only did he win first place, but he also broke the world record. This brief testimony powerfully shows that one who truly follows the pillar of fire and lives for the Lord will never be shortchanged. The Lord repays abundantly.

   2. The Light, Principles, and Illumination of the Bible

      Another aspect of the Bible (God’s Word) guiding the saints is following its light, principles, and illumination. There was a young brother among us who, after being revived by the Lord, saw other young brothers and sisters praying aloud and praising the Lord during the bread-breaking meeting, and his heart was filled with longing. However, due to his introverted nature and timidity, he hadn’t dared to speak out boldly. Thank the Lord! One day during his morning watch, he read Romans 8:26: "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." As he read this verse, the words seemed to shine before him. He realized that the Spirit not only moves us but can actually pray through us. So, on the Lord’s Day, he submitted to the teaching of the Scriptures. When the Spirit moved him during the meeting, he boldly opened his mouth to pray—and as he prayed, it was as if rivers of living water flowed from deep within him.

      As the Israelites followed the pillars of cloud and fire step by step, they advanced station by station. Now they had arrived at the place called Pi-hahiroth.

V. Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-28)—The Death of Christ

[Pi Hahiroth]

They journeyed onward until they reached the vast and unfathomable shores of the Red Sea. At that time, there were no bridges—how could they possibly cross safely? The Bible records that the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel to move forward. Lift up your rod, stretch your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry land through the midst of the sea." Sure enough, Moses followed God’s command and stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. The Israelites boldly entered the sea and walked through on dry land. The water stood like walls on either side of them. In the morning, the Lord looked down upon the Egyptian army through the pillar of cloud and fire, throwing them into confusion… Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand, and at daybreak, the sea returned to its full depth. The waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them, not one survived. (Exodus 14:14–26)

1. Crossing the Red Sea Represents Baptism

   From a typological perspective, the crossing of the Red Sea represents baptism. This is because the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:1–2: "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." (Moses being a type of Christ).

2. Baptism Into the Death of Christ

   “Passing through the sea” signifies being baptized in the sea and being joined to Moses. Romans 6:3–4 says, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" This means that when the Lord Jesus was crucified on the cross, we were crucified with Him. Therefore, our baptism bears witness that we are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

3. The Result of Crossing the Red Sea: Deliverance from Egypt and Pharaoh (the World)

   Pharaoh, who ruled over the entire land of Egypt, typifies satan's dominion over the whole world. When the Israelites crossed the sea, Pharaoh’s entire army pursued them closely. But when Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, the waters returned, and Pharaoh’s entire army was drowned in the Red Sea. Thus, crossing the Red Sea signifies coming out of Egypt. The Red Sea became a barrier between Israel and Egypt, so the result of crossing it was deliverance from Pharaoh and Egypt.

   In terms of spiritual experience, whenever we are baptized, we are delivered from the devil and the world. Baptism is not merely a ritual—it is a spiritual reality of separation from the world. Galatians 6:14 tells us: "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Christ has accomplished redemption, the price has been paid, and I have been bought back. The cross has separated me from the world; the secular realm no longer has a share in me. Hallelujah! As the hymn says:

   Glorious freedom, wonderful freedom,

   No more in chains of sin I repine!

   Jesus the glorious Emancipator,

   Now and forever He shall be mine.

   There was a brother engaged in business. After receiving the gospel and being born again, he was baptized not long afterward. Upon coming out of the baptismal pool, he testified: “When I rose from the water, my whole outlook on life changed. Before, my eyes were fixed on the earth—now, my gaze has turned to heaven. My view of the world has also been transformed.” This is what it means to be baptized into the death of Christ—the world has been buried beneath the waters, and I have come out from it.

   
   

VI. Bitter Water Turned Sweet (Exo 15:22-25)—Christ's Loving kindness and Grace

[Marah]

Because the Lord performed great wonders against the Egyptians, the Israelites walked fearlessly on dry ground and crossed the Red Sea. When they had passed through the Red Sea, the whole congregation rejoiced, singing and praising God. Miriam, Moses’ sister, led the women in playing tambourines and dancing in celebration, lifting up songs of praise to the Lord. Yet crossing the Red Sea was not the final goal—entering Canaan was. Therefore, Moses, in obedience to God’s command, led the entire congregation of Israel forward on their journey.

1.  Three Days Without Water in the Wilderness of Shur

   Moses led the Israelites away from the shores of the Red Sea and into the wilderness of Shur. For three days they journeyed in the desert without finding any water to drink. It was an extremely difficult and distressing experience.

2. Israelite Complaints on Bitter Waters at Marah

   Eventually, they arrived at Marah. The road was rugged and hard to travel. When they finally found water, they were overjoyed—but upon tasting it, they discovered the water was bitter and undrinkable. So the entire congregation began to complain to Moses.

   Brothers and sisters, the Israelites were already weary from journeying through the dry wilderness of Shur for three days without water. Their thirst was unbearable. In Scripture, the number “three” carries significance—it symbolizes the Triune God. Thus, the “three days without water” points to a divinely arranged trial. Isn’t it often the case that, after baptism and setting our hearts to follow the Lord, we encounter testing? Some, in their zeal to love and serve the Lord, are met not with ease but with difficulties. Prayers seem unanswered; the more they cry out, the more afflictions arise. Just like how the Israelites suffered thirst for three days, only to find bitter water, it becomes “bitterness upon bitterness.” Just like parents are already burdened when a child falls ill and then business suffers loss. He tries to seek comfort at church, only to be misunderstood. The environment is already harsh, still there are difficulties. This is the experience of bitter water at Marah.

3. Water Made Sweet by Casting Tree into It—Knowing the Love of the Lord

   When the people raised their voices in complaint against Moses, the Bible records: "So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet." (Exodus 15:24–25) This reveals that in seasons of hardship, setbacks, and ongoing trials, the only true solution is to come before the Lord. Though circumstances may remain unchanged, a heart that recognizes the Lord’s love and grace undergoes transformation.

   1. Finding Sweetness in Pondering on the Cross of Christ

      "And the LORD showed him a tree.” The word “showed” implies a divine revelation. That tree was not just any tree, it was one that God specially reveal—God reveals to us the cross of Christ. The Lord Jesus bore our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24); through the punishment He endured, we received peace; by His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Oh! Suffering becomes sweet. The water itself didn’t change, but its taste did. Our circumstances may remain, but our lives, perspectives, and attitudes transform and become sweet.

      The Apostle Paul said to the Galatians in Galatians 3:1: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?" This is the revealed cross. Whenever we face difficult and unfavorable situations, and we recall the crucified Christ—even though our suffering remains—the thought of Jesus on the cross instantly brings sweetness to our hearts. Isn’t it so? When we consider how the Lord Jesus willingly endured the agony of the cross out of love for us, our suffering feels a millin times lighter in comparison. We woud be grateful and offer our worship to the Lord, in that moment, bitterness turns into sweetness. As the poem says:

      The thorns in my path are not sharper

      Than composed His crown for me;

      The cup that I drink not more bitter

      Than He drank in Gethsemane.

      In my youth, I lived in northern Taiwan. At that time, a classmate and I were deeply captured by the love of the Lord, and we wholly dedicated our lives to live for Him. Each day, we would travel together by train from Keelung to Taipei for school. During winter, it often rained, and the weather was bitterly cold. But thanks to the Lord’s mercy and the drawing power of His great love, we continued attending church gatherings every Tuesday and Thursday in Taipei. After the meetings, we would take a bus to the train station and ride the last train back to Keelung, arriving around 11:30 pm. As we got off the train, it was often amidst stormy winds and pelting rain, with piercing cold all around us. We walked home together, our pants soaked through by the time we reached home. One night, I asked him, “Brother, don’t you find this bitter and hard?” He replied, “Thank the Lord! Every time I think of how our beloved Lord suffered on the cross for me, this little hardship I bear for Him feels like nothing.” Yes, our clothes drenched, the cold wind biting, but in our spirit, we felt a deep sweetness. That’s what it means for bitter water to turn sweet. We personally experience how deep the Lord's grace and how great His love is! Hope that whenever we face difficulties and trials, let us bow beneath the cross of the Savior and ponder:

      Why should Jesus bear such agony?

      Here the pure Lamb of God gave His own life,

      that I might from my sins be set free.

      Lord, for me, Thou hast all yours forsaken,

      How can I shun Thy great love once more?

      I believe, I receive Thee, Lord Jesus,

      And to Thee yield my life and my all.

      That, indeed, is placing the tree of the cross into our bitter water—so that it might be made sweet.

      After a church gathering, a young sister returned home and was severely beaten by her unbelieving mother. Yet, the very next afternoon, she quietly slipped away again to join the pursuit group at the church hall. The other sisters saw bruises—red and purple—on her arm and went to comfort her, asking whether it hurt. She replied, “When my mother struck me, the image of the Lord Jesus being scourged for me on the cross remarkably appeared before my eyes. I didn’t feel pain. Instead, I came to know more deeply how immense His love truly is!”

4. Water Made Sweet by Casting Tree into It—Knowing the Grace of the Lord

   The act of casting the tree into the waters to make them sweet also reveals the grace of Christ. When the Lord Jesus was crucified, blood and water flowed from His side. The “water” signifies life. In painful and difficult circumstances, it is His life that sustains us. Sometimes trials last for a month, sometimes half a year, and still persist. Yet when we fix our eyes on Christ’s cross, something wondrous happens—His life and grace abundantly flow into us. Once His life arrives, it empowers us to overcome every hardship. This is grace.

   The Apostle Paul spoke of a thorn in his flesh. For this, he pleaded with the Lord three times. Though he lived wholly for the Lord, this thorn remained, causing him great distress. The Bible does not elaborate further, but scholars believe it may have been an eye disease. Paul asked the Lord three times to remove it, but the Lord said to him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) Indeed, though Paul suffered the pain of the thorn, the Lord’s grace surpassed and overshadowed that suffering.

   Brothers and sisters, the place called Marah is meant to lead us into an experience of how rich the Lord’s grace truly is. No wonder Paul declared, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

   Charles Spurgeon was a servant greatly used by the Lord. When he spoke of the Lord’s grace, he once said: “I, Spurgeon, am but a small cup; the grace of the Lord is like an endless ocean—how could my little cup ever exhaust His vast grace?” Oh! We are merely tiny cups—how could we ever scoop dry an ocean of grace? The Lord’s grace is infinite, and our lifetime’s capacity could never deplete it.

   Dear brothers and sisters, in our life's journey, if the Lord is gracious to us, He will sooner or later lead us to Marah. That means we will face painful experiences on this earth. But fear not: the Lord’s grace is sufficient for us. Throughout history, countless people have suffered persecution for the Lord, some even martyred. It was not because they were more noble or stronger than others, but because the Lord’s grace came upon them, enabling them to overcome every form of suffering. How deeply we hope that when we arrive at Marah, we will remember the cross of Christ. For it is the cross that turns bitter waters sweet, filling us with boundless love and endless grace.

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