The cupbearer is one of the servants that have closest proximity to the throne. His duty is to make the king’s heart merry by serving him the best wine as at when due. Nehemiah, a Hebrew, is one of the king’s cupbearers mentioned in the Bible. His story gives an insight into the office of a king’s cupbearer and the possibilities holding a position in the palace holds for the people of God and the nation.
Bible account tells us that Nehemiah became sad when he heard of the calamity that had befallen his people. The news made him weep, but he refused to make his sorrow an end it itself. His pain made him pray. Again, he understood that praying was hardly enough. He decided to use his position in the palace to the benefit of the people. He therefore added strategy and hard work to his prayers knowing that God never works in a vacuum.
As Nehemiah went about his duty after hearing the bad news from home, the King noticed his sad disposition. The latter requested to know why a usually effective and jovial staff seemed to have changed overnight. Nehemiah got his chance and took it. His request shown in Nehemiah 2:4-6 reveals that although he had in time past refused to exploit his position for personal gain, he was in tune with the extent of the powers of the throne. Nehemiah knew how to fill a blank cheque.
Nigeria is in need of types of Nehemiah – men and women of proven character and skill, as close aides of the President. We are in dire need of individuals who will go beyond weeping and praying to act decisively. The country can use people who are topnotch in their professions and spiritually alert. Rebuilding our broken walls will take public servants who are always keen to use their positions for the common good rather than private gratification.
The challenge we are facing now is that a number of appointees of our King, who are Christians, lack the understanding that they are answerable to the King of Kings. Special Assistants called by the name of God, who are supposed to have the compassion of Christ, have blocked themselves from news from the grassroots. They have lost touch with the people because they have temporary insulation from the woes of the masses.
Serving in the palace takes a lot of grace and sacrifice hence, many well meaning Christians shy away from it. However, we may be unable to deliver on the kingdom mandate, which is an assignment to save the world from oppression, if we continue to avoid serving the King. Daniel and his friends would have been unable to do the outstanding things they did but for their strategic positions and continuous promotion in the palace. The same can be said of Esther, Joseph, Mordecai and others mentioned in the Bible.
It is time for you to stand to be counted. Will you dare to be a Nehemiah in our time?
Happy Independence!
Bible Inspired Thoughts (BITs) are inspirations/revelations I get from pondering on the word of God. They are thoughts that encourage/rebuke/correct/instruct me. I have a mandate to share for the benefit of others.
Follow Motunrayo Famuyiwa-Alaka on twitter @D_Encourager
