The story of Gideon should be a great encouragement to the Church in these last days of ruin. God does not need large numbers or especially gifted leaders to accomplish His purposes. We may not understand His plans, but we can trust His promises. After his army was reduced to just 300 men according to God’s command, Gideon equipped each one with a trumpet to blow, a pitcher to break, and a torch to burn. Strange weapons indeed, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4)!

The trumpets speak of the testimony of the Word of God. In Numbers 10:1–10, the Lord told Moses to make two silver trumpets for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps. These trumpets directed the children of Israel in their worship, walk, and warfare, just as the Word of God directs us in every aspect of our lives. The pitchers represent our own natural bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:6–7 tells us that we have this treasure, the light of life, in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. Accordingly, the torches picture the light of Jesus.

The soldiers were to look at Gideon and copy his actions. So we look up to Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, and follow His steps (cf. Jn. 13:15). The sound of the blasting trumpets and shattering pottery along with the blazing torchlight caused the enemy to panic. What a picture of victory through brokenness! Only when human vessels are broken—only by dying to self (Gal. 2:20)—can the light of Jesus shine forth through us! “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17).