Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes: "Who can be compared with you in majesty?" – Ezekiel 31:2

Today's Scripture Reading (July 3, 2020): Ezekiel 31

Emperor Jimmu is thought to have ascended the throne over Japan in 660 B.C.E. Actually, the roots of the Emperor Jimmu's reign are lost in antiquity, and most historians question whether Jimmu is a historical or a legendary figure. The era before Jimmu's reign is considered to be the "Age of the Gods" in Japanese history. Before Jimmu, the gods established their direct rule over the people. The first historically attested to Emperor of Japan was Nintoku, who came to power in 313 C.E. But regardless of whether you consider Jimmu to be the first Emperor of Japan, or whether it is Nintoku who occupies that role at the beginning of the Empire, the reality is that the Japanese Empire is an ancient one which has never seen disruption through many generations. Even during the six years of Japan's occupation by the United States following World War II, the Emperor remained on the throne, and the Empire continued. Japan's stability is a marvel in a world where Empires have historically risen and fallen relatively quickly.

Ezekiel's attention is directed toward Egypt. And the question is an interesting one. Who can be compared with the majesty of the Egyptians? As Ezekiel asks this question, the demise of the Assyrian Empire is a recent occurrence. Babylon now rules the world stage, but its rise to power is also a new reality. There seemed to be a moving nucleus of power in the area. But one constant, regardless of which Empire of had grabbed control in the area, was the presence and influence of Egypt. Egypt was a powerful voice in the region through all of the reigns of the Empires. Even when they were not the most powerful, they were a nation whose voice in the area was heard by all who lived there. For a thousand years, that had not changed. No earthly kingdom compared to the longevity of the Egyptians. And if only because of that fact, the Egyptians deserved the honor of the people.

And yet, there were lessons that even the Egyptians could learn from the gathering of nations if she was willing to listen. And maybe that is the lesson of the Egyptians that we all need to learn.  No matter how well established we might be, regardless of the authority that has been placed on us and in us, there are still lessons that we need to learn, and there are still times when we need to apologize for actions that we have made that were ill-considered. And this need to seek forgiveness does not speak of weakness, but instead of the fact that we are human and we have all made mistakes. If we are not humble enough to understand this concept, then we will never truly bear the mantle of greatness, even if authority is thrust upon us, and we enjoy the trappings of power.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 32