Trumpets and Jars

As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lordhas given the host of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”

Judges 7:15-18, ESV

"The Sword of the Lord of Gideon" by Thomas Saunders Nash

The Israelite looked at what was in his hands--a trumpet and a torch-filled jar. And war??? He knew weapons were scarce due to the Midianite oppression. But--but the Midianites had weapons. What were these? How? His mind went racing to a variety of other options, thinking logically about the fight before them as the moonish light cast the Midianite camp’s shadows large.

But Gideon saw things differently. The Lord’s affirmation and worship led to Gideon’s creative fight. 

In our own fight, how do we look at what the Lord has placed in our hands? If we stood in the Israelite’s shoes, would we question? Would we let go of what we hold and pick up his trumpets and jars, whatever those may look like in our life?

May the Spirit of the Lord himself who dwells in you give you trust that he is with you; ears to listen to his creativity; courage to fight in his way. May the Spirit keep you so in step that you know what to pick up, even if it seems counterintuitive, and your logic and wisdom objects. Like the men in the army who looked at Gideon and did likewise, may you look at our better Gideon, our better Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and do likewise. He brought life by death, glory in shame, power in weakness, wisdom in foolishness (1 Cor. 1). May the swords, words, pride, gossip, the weapons in your hand be dropped out of surrendered hands to pick up what he would give you as you follow with joy-filled trust.