The Cupbearer

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