SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 45
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. [Ezekiel 45:9]
As Ezekiel describes the temple at the center of this city plan, and the land of the prince surrounding it, he issues this warning to the leader of the people.
Do what is just and right, stop dispossessing my people!
The symbolism of the city design is important here: God is at the center, and those who are assigned leadership roles must always remember that in how they lead.
God is at the center, stop using your position for personal advantage.
God is at the center, do what He says, lead as He leads, serve as He serves.

Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely. [Luke 20:46-47]
Jesus’ warning against the religious leaders is similar to Ezekiel’s warning.
Put in a position of authority, to serve God by serving the people… but instead they strut around as better than everyone else, and take advantage of the ones they are supposed to be serving.
Jesus is warning His disciples about such leaders; He also reminds them about how they are to lead.
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [Matthew 20:25-28]

God is at the center, we must honour Him as we fulfill our task as His servants.
Jesus shows us how God leads from the center – denying Himself for the sake of those He leads and loves.
This is how we need to lead, how we need to love.
Practically speaking, how does this relate to those whom you lead?
Do you assert your authority, do you take advantage of your position, do you tell people what to do, or show them what to do?
Do you focus more on your own needs, or the needs of those in your care?
Are you a demanding leader, or a demonstrating leader?
Do you raise your voice to get things done, do you force your will on others?
This is how worldly, sinful leaders rule… Not so with you!

PRAYER:
Lord, as a leader I need to be reminded that my leadership style needs to be shaped around You, for You are at the center. Help me to lead like You!