God's Dream Team.

"Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time" (Judges 4:4).

It's an interesting story: Deborah, during her term as judge over Israel, called for Barak and gave him a prophetic word: "The LORD commands you to fight: the LORD will give you victory" (Judges 4:6-7, paraphrase mine).

Barak is mentioned by the prophet Samuel as part of the team that delivered Israel from its enemies and made it possible for the people to live in security (see First Samuel 12:8-11).

In spite of God's provision of leaders, the people decided to demand their own way. God's protocol was not good enough for the people, and they asked to be placed in the same protocol as their pagan neighbors- the protocol that called for an earthly king and the accompanying phenomena: a system of enlistment for war, a system of taxation, a system that entailed the loss of land and privileges, a system that made them insecure.

Does this sound familiar? May I bring this closer to home?

You've asked God for a job. He gave you a job where you could serve as a missionary for Him, being a living witness to your co-workers. And now you're telling everyone how horrible your office is and how you can't wait to get out of there. You've left the zone God placed you in, you're busily seeking comfort instead of embracing the cross, and now you're out of alignment with God's agenda.

You prayed for a pastor with vision and connection to God, and He gave you one- actually, He gave you several. And now you're complaining about the vision, you're afraid of the manifestation of God's power, you're skeptical of God's program. In fact, you're not on board with God's program and have disengaged from moving forward with the community of faith.

Well, people have a tendency to demand their own way. But leaders who are submitted to God have no other option than to be obedient to the voice of God. You see, God still speaks. And our pastors are hearing Him. They are kissing the Son, "lest He become angry and you be destroyed in your way" (see Psalm 2:12).

What a glorious thing to receive the commendation of God! Bronx Bethany's leaders stand commended by God for their obedience to His Spirit.

How about you?