S) "9 Thus says the Lord God, 'Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from My people,' declares the Lord God."
Ezekiel 45:9 (NASB)
O) Along with schematics for a new temple, Ezekiel was given several regulations for temple worship, sacrifices, and leadership expectations. While we are under the New Covenant by Jesus Christ, a lot of these details are no longer applicable (particularly regarding sacrifice, as Jesus satisfied that once and for all). Also, Jesus simplified the moral laws down to two regulations (see Matthew 22:37-40), but there is still value in seeing some of the details that God had given in the past. That's what we see, here. The Israelite leaders had a terrible propensity to oppress their own people. So, in this revival that God was doing, He made it clear that leadership is about serving the people. Throughout this chapter (and the next), Ezekiel was given lengthy outlines for the responsibility that princedom carried. At the very most basic, the LORD broke it down to two main rules, and then broke one of them into two elements. Rule number 1: Do no harm. Rule number 2: Do good. Within Rule 2, we have 2a: Do good publically. Rule 2b: Do good privately.
A) This is a detailed description, all of which falls under the two commands Jesus quoted (see above). Still, breaking this down into some detail will help me focus. I need to be deliberate with my leadership. As I lead my wife, as I lead my family (my kids, even my sister while she's living with us and we're mentoring her), and as I lead our Life Group, I must intentionally put my mind on serving. If I am not doing it on purpose, I will not do it. Do no harm. Do good publically. Do good privately.
P) Father, Your leadership model is perfect. In Jesus, I have been given the perfect example of leadership. Jesus was perfectly obedient to Your lead, Father God. That presence of mind, that attention to purpose, that is what I lack so often. I ask for grace, that I would be more aware of Your purposes in my life. With every relationship, help me to focus first on doing no harm. Every interaction should be aimed at building up, not tearing down. No matter the circumstance, whether angry or tired, confused or hurt, give me the self control I need to act in spite of my emotions, so that I am doing no harm. Give me presence of mind to do good with all of my relationships. It is not enough that I would simply do no harm, because I cannot be neutral in the leadership roles You have given me. So, let me consider carefully, how I can practice justice on behalf of others. Discipline me to practice righteousness in my own walk with You. Let me honor You with integrity. By grace, continue to develop my character in leadership. Please forgive me for falling short. I confess to leading badly. I repent, Father God. Lead me to lead them. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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