"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon" (Judges 7: 20).
Gideon ordered his men to do two things. Covering up a torch in an earthen pitcher, he told them, at an appointed signal, to break the pitcher and let the light shine. Then, they were to the trumpet, crying; "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon! the sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" This is precisely what all Christians must do. First, you must shine; break the pitcher which conceals your light. Throw aside the bushel that has been hiding your candle and shine. Let your light shine before men. Let your good works be such, that, when men look at you, they will know that you have been with Jesus. Then, there must be the sound, the blowing of the trumpet. Take the gospel to sinners. Carry it to their door. Put it in their way. Do not allow them to escape it. Remember, that the true war-cry of the Church is Gideon's watchword, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" God must do it. It is His own work. But we are not to be idle. We can do nothing of ourselves, but we can do everything by the help of our God. Let us, therefore, in His name determine to go out personally, and God will be with us. They will be put to confusion, and the Lord of hosts will reign forever and ever.