What lessons can leaders learn from the lion's destructive behavior in Ezekiel 19:7? Setting the scene “ ‘He tore down their strongholds and devastated their cities. The land and all who were in it were appalled by the sound of his roaring.’ ” (Ezekiel 19:7) The prophet paints an unforgettable picture: an Israelite prince, likened to a young lion, brings wreckage wherever he goes. God preserved the account so every generation of leaders could weigh the cost of unchecked power. Behaviors highlighted in the verse • Destructive use of strength — “tore down their strongholds” • Systemic ruin — “devastated their cities” • Widespread intimidation — “all who were in it were appalled by the sound of his roaring” Leadership lessons drawn • Power is a stewardship, not a toy – Proverbs 28:15 “Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.” – God entrusts authority to build up (Romans 13:3–4), never to tear down for ego’s sake. • Violence against people or institutions invites divine judgment – Jeremiah 22:17 traces royal downfall to “dishonest gain” and “innocent blood.” – The prince who destroyed strongholds soon found his own strength broken (Ezekiel 19:9). • Fear-based leadership produces exhaustion, not loyalty – “All who were in it were appalled.” Terror silences honest counsel, breeds passive resistance, and hollows national morale. – 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds that God gives “power and love and self-control,” not dread. • Public collapse often begins with private arrogance – Psalm 101:5–8 shows the king’s palace policy: remove pride and deceit before they infect the kingdom. – Pride roars before it wrecks. • Reputation’s echo travels farther than intentions – The lion’s roar reached the whole land; leaders cannot contain the fallout of sinful decisions. – Ecclesiastes 10:1: “Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench.” One headline can overshadow years of good. Positive alternative modeled by Christ • Matthew 20:25–28: Jesus flips the script—greatness equals service. • 1 Peter 5:3: Shepherds are to be “examples to the flock,” not “lording it over” them. • Isaiah 11:4–5: The Messianic King defends the poor and rules in righteousness, proving lion-like strength can coexist with gentleness. Practical checkpoints for leaders 1. Test motives: Are decisions aimed at building others or fortifying self? 2. Audit impact: Measure success by flourishing of people and institutions, not personal acclaim. 3. Guard tone: Replace the roar of intimidation with the voice of encouragement (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Pursue accountability: Invite Nathan-like truth-tellers before God sends Ezekiel-style judgment. 5. Cultivate meekness: Strength under control reflects the Lion-and-Lamb character of Christ (Revelation 5:5–6). Key takeaways • Unchecked force devastates more than structures; it crushes souls. • Divine authority carries matching divine scrutiny. • Leadership that mirrors Christ’s humility secures lasting stability and honor. |
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