Hey, this is David Platt. I want to invite you to something I look forward to every year.

Secret Church. This night exists to help us identify with many of our brothers and sisters around the world who have no choice but to gather in secret,

often at great risk, just to open God's word. Once a year, over 50,000 believers around the world gather online

with one intention to study scripture for six hours, to be shaped by it, and to pray for our

persecuted brothers and sisters. This year, we'll study the life of Elijah. We'll pray specifically

for those who are suffering for their faith and will act together to make Jesus known among the nations.

Early registration of the best rate is now open until February 17th. Register at radical.net slash secret church.

Pray the word with David Platt is a resource from radical.net.

Exodus chapter 13, verse 21.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way,

and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to

give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. What a picture as God is leading

his people out of slavery in Egypt, toward the promised land, and just imagine the scene as all, however many people,

I mean, only the Lord knows.

We know hundreds of thousands of men, an addition of women and children.

They all watch as a pillar of cloud leads them and directs them, guides them, where to go, where to stop. At night,

it's a pillar of fire. Just imagine that scene in the sky, this pillar of fire ahead of you,

leading them, giving you light so that as you travel, you know God himself is directing your path,

guiding you, where to go.

That's the picture we have in Exodus chapter 13.

And then you fast forward to the New Testament and the reality for us as followers of Jesus who are filled with

the Holy Spirit of God. We have something better. Like sometimes we think, especially when we walk

...