July 2, 2006
The Cloud And The Spirit
READ: Exodus 13:17-22; 14:19-20
The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way. —Exodus 13:21
The Lord led the children of Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Commentator Arthur Pink draws a significant parallel between this cloud in the wilderness and the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
Pink points out that just as the cloud was a gracious gift to the Israelites, so the Holy Spirit is a gift to the trusting child of God.
Jesus said, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper” (John 14:16). The pillar of cloud was provided to guide the children of Israel. So too, the Holy Spirit leads the Christian. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (16:13).
Even as the cloud remained with Israel in the wilderness, so Jesus promised that the Father would send the Spirit, who would “abide” with believers forever (14:16). Think of it! God Himself dwells within our hearts. We who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are temples of His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
When we are led by the Spirit, our lives will be characterized by love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:16,22-23). We will be effective witnesses for Christ as we travel through the wilderness of this world.
Blest Holy Spirit from above
With all Thy quickening powers
Come, shed abroad the Savior’s love
And that shall kindle ours. —Watts
The power that compels us comes from the Spirit who indwells us.