Cupbearer to the King
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Written by Pastor Thomas Cherian
Categories: Devotion
When Bible heroes come to mind we tend to think of kings like King David. Or prophets like Moses or Samuel. We remember priests like Ezra. But how often do you think of a waiter as a hero?
During the reign of Persian king Artaxerxes, a devout Jew named Nehemiah became Cupbearer to the king.
A cupbearer was essentially a waiter—a bartender to the king. To us, this may be a common, mundane position to hold. Yet this position we find Nehemiah in is most fitting for us all (Nehemiah 1:11-2:2).
- Intimacy with the King — A cupbearer was no ordinary job. A cupbearer was the most trustworthy person in the king’s court. He had access to enter the king’s innermost chamber. He was like a bond slave with an exclusive desire to be in the presence of the king.
- Intimacy with the Cupbearer — Wherever the king was, he had Nehemiah there with him. The king was sensitive to the state of Nehemiah’s heart. The king’s concern for his bond slave was so deep that he initiated the conversation to find a solution to what was troubling Nehemiah.
Nehemiah’s close relationship with a human king led to the accomplishment of a great desire. How much more if we develop an intimacy with the King of the universe.
Spend considerable time in God’s presence. Serve the King of kings out of love. Become trustworthy in the eyes of the Faithful One. God Himself will initiate prayers that emanate from your heart. He wants to walk and converse with you. He wants to make miracles and heroes out of those who choose to be close to Him.
