What can we learn about leadership from the prince's role in Ezekiel 46:10? Verse under the microscope Ezekiel 46:10: “When the prince goes in, he shall go in with them, and when they go out, he shall go out.” What immediately stands out • The prince is with the people—entering and exiting alongside them. • There is no hint of him receiving separate or preferential treatment. • His movement is synchronized with the worshipers’. Shared participation, not distant supervision • True leadership happens in the same spaces and rhythms as those being led. • Like the “good shepherd” who “goes on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4), the prince’s closeness fosters trust. • Leaders who remain accessible reflect the pattern of Christ, “who became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Presence before precedence • The prince’s foremost duty is presence, not position. • Psalm 23 portrays the Shepherd who walks “through the valley” with His flock—leadership expressed in companionship, not aloof command. • Modern application: titles never excuse absence; leaders share the journey, celebrations, and hardships of their people. Servant leadership in action • Mark 10:45 reminds us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” • Ezekiel’s prince illustrates the same heart—his authority is expressed through service, not separation. • 1 Peter 5:2-3 instructs elders to be “examples to the flock,” not “lording it over those entrusted to you.” The prince embodies this by physically modeling worship. Alignment with God’s order • The prince’s synchronized movement underscores submission to God’s timing; he doesn’t craft his own schedule. • This models leadership that honors divine structure rather than personal convenience. • Hebrews 5:4 teaches that no one takes honor upon himself; it is received from God. The prince waits on God’s appointed times and flows with the congregation. Practical takeaways for today • Be visible: lead from the front, not from a distance. • Share the full experience: worship, work, and trials alongside the people. • Model humility: embrace the same entry points, exit points, and disciplines. • Value God’s rhythm over personal preference. • Remember that credibility is built through consistent, shared presence. A closing snapshot In one concise verse, Ezekiel paints a portrait of leadership rooted in participation, humility, and service. The prince’s choice to go in and out with the people anticipates the perfect leadership of Christ and sets a timeless pattern for every leader who desires to shepherd God’s people faithfully. |