Judges 6, part 3: the significance of Gideon’s offerings

In response to God’s overture of fellowship, Gideon makes two offerings. Careful comparison to the Torah gives us insight into the nature of both priests and saviors in God’s kingdom. Although our worship differs in substance, it remains true that God raises his altar by tearing down Satan’s strongholds and building on their ruins; that he calls us to sacrificial service that can pit father against son; that he uses our idols as kindling for the fire of sacrifice in our hearts; and that the courageous obedience of one man can break the power of fear over an entire body of people.