How Did They Know?

The magi travelled from afar.

Where was afar?

Perhaps it was Persia or southern Arabia;

both were east of Bethlehem,

far from the Holy Land,

far from God’s people.

The magi were intelligent men,

well respected among rulers,

sought after for their in-depth knowledge

of astronomy and natural science,

well-practiced in the mystical arts

and astrology.

The magi saw the star in the east.

Why was this star unique?

The magi were Gentiles.

Why did the magi say the star

 was His star?

How did they know it was a sign

for them to locate

the King of the Jews?

Why would they travel so far,

bring such extravagant gifts,

risk the wrath of a devious and murderous ruler

to worship Him?

How did the Magi know

about the Messiah?

How had they known what had been written

seven hundred years earlier?

How did they have access to writings

of the prophets of God

in the far east,

a land filled with idols,

pagan practices,

enemies of God.

Daniel and his friends

were captured and forced to

become fluent in the Babylonian culture,

language, literature and arts.

Daniel rubbed shoulders with astrologers,

communicated in Aramaic,

dwelt among the Gentiles,

served several eastern kings,

yet…

Daniel worshiped God alone.

Daniel requested compassion

from the God of heaven

concerning mysteries

which baffled the other wise men.

The wise men encountered

God’s wisdom.

In the very midst of the four

dominating, oppressive, godless

empires of

the Babylonians,

the Medo-Persians,

the Greeks,

and the Romans;

the still, small voice of God

entered the forbidden domain,

penetrated the fortress of fear,

and remained unmoved.

God’s wisdom

stimulated what was to become

understanding.

God’s wisdom

stirred new passion in the hearts of wise men.

God’s wisdom

was an unforgettable experience

… for centuries to come.

~ae

“Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?

Indeed it is Your due! 

For among all the wise men

of the nations and in all their kingdoms,

there is none like You.” 

                           ~ Jeremiah 10:7

“After coming into the house

they saw the Child with Mary His mother;

and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” 

                                               ~Matthew 2:11

The Book of Daniel                    Micah 5:1-5                  Matthew 2:1-12