The sword of the Lord is a symbol of God’s power, protection, and authority. What good is a sword in its sheath? Its power is unleashed when drawn.

Judges 6 to 8  Children love the story of this man! After hearing this story, if told with great inflection, you often will hear them shout that phrase as they rehearse the story time after time. There is indeed much to shout about when you realize that Gideon was empowered with the wisdom and strength that only a mighty God could provide. But, Gideon did not start out that way; in fact he was a man who epitomized [Proverbs 29:25a] “The fear of man is a snare,” and it wasn’t until chapter 8 we find him living the rest of that verse: “but who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.” [Prov 29:25b] His life and the victory over the Midianites are an example to us that to do God’s work one must be surrender to God’s call.

Enter into scripture an example of a man that lived in fear and need much coaxing to do God’s work. The nation had cried out to God and He sent them an unnamed prophet to remind them of their sin.  Next God sent an angel to the man He would empower to free them from oppression.

God sent Jesus Christ who conquered our sin. Then He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us so we can turn the world upside down and give glory to God.

The sword of the Lord is God’s living word. 

Read it, memorize it, and meditate upon it daily so you can be a Gideon for Him!