The Cupbearer (Overwhelmed)
he is a simple cupbearer, but in his spirit
he heard the voice of the King, “Go!”
“There is a distant, ancient outpost
long harassed and menaced by my foes.”
“My people there are beaten down, wearied and oppressed
their gates burned, their walls in ruins.”
“Go! Encourage My people, rebuild the walls,
hang the gates, retake the land.”
generals among his band of brothers exhort him,
“This is our King’s decree!”
other cupbearers declare, “You are the one.”
even his beloved companion confirms,
“The King has equipped us for this day.”
so cupbearer heeds the call
bids farewell to family and friends
with beloved companion at his side
makes the trek to the troubled garrison
what greets him overwhelms him – a tattered remnant
hostile environment, scattered rogue servants
and an enemy that has swept the field
the immensity of the task quickly presses upon him
overwhelmed, he wrestles through a sleepless night
in the spirit, like Elijah’s still small voice, the King comes
“My son, what weighs on your soul this night?”
“My Lord, I am but a cupbearer; what can I do here?”
in the haze of vision, the King touches his shoulder
“What is that in your hand, Valiant Warrior?”
“Your cup, My Lord.”
“Drink from My cup, and know.”
cupbearer gazes at what looks like blood
raises the chalice to his lips, imbibes deeply
instantly it flows throughout – liquid fire surging
through his veins, his bones, his psyche, his soul
the divine elixir of the King’s New Wine
washing out nagging fears & lingering doubts
washing in a confidence & peace – anchored to the one
that has commissioned this assignment
cupbearer wakes, his beloved companion at his side
the task still dauntingly before him
adversaries remain encamped without
the gates and walls still in ruins
the garrison few in number
but cupbearer has heard the voice of his King and
by the power of the King’s Spirit, he wraps himself
in a peace that passes understanding
with the natural eye, all still overwhelms
but his inner man now rises with resolve
a simple cupbearer, yes, but serving a mighty King
and he whom the King calls and sends
must drink deep, drink often and rest in His work
“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” – Psalm 138:8
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” – Ephesians 3:20
mark d. cooke, in New Bern, NC, 1-18-10
