Wilberforce Bible Study #2 “Cupbearer”

Ice breaker : Did you ever have an opportunity to serve someone really important? What was it like? Even if you did not, did you notice a difference in the way you were treated by those who were well-dressed and those who were not?

Introduction : Every Very Important Person (VIP) has many people who serve him or her. The Queen of England has hundreds of staff. Every national leader is surrounded by staff at every turn. It is important to recognize that those who serve VIPs often have a very strategic role in suggesting policy and directions that may have a huge impact. Wilberforce was able to take action on the issue of slavery because he was in a strategic position.

Nehemiah is a good example of such a staff person. Nehemiah was cup bearer to King Artaxerxes, ruler of Persia . At the time, Persia occupied Judah and most of the Jews had been taken into exile. The previous king had allowed some of the Jews to return. But King Artaxerxes, on news of a possible rebellion amongst the Jews, had ordered that the walls be torn down and the gates be burned. But Nehemiah is the cup bearer to the king. His role is to ensure that the wine at the royal table is safe to drink (usually by drinking it himself first). He likely also had a role in ordering choice wines. He may have also been responsible for all the meals of the king. As cup-bearer, Nehemiah was a trusted advisor. He would have overheard many significant conversations pertaining to policy and his advice may have been sought by the king. But Nehemiah was also a Jew.

Nehemiah has had news from his brother Hanani that the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem are living in terrible circumstances. He has been grieved by this news and fasts and prays for many days.

Read Nehemiah 2:1-9.

1. In verse 2, Nehemiah says that he was very afraid. Why is he fearful?
2. How does Nehemiah engage the King in conversation regarding his desire to rebuild the walls and gates?
3. Why do you think Nehemiah does not mention the name of the city where his fathers are buried?
4. What is Nehemiah's response when the king seems to respond favourably? (verse 4)
5. What do Nehemiah's responses to the king tell you about Nehemiah?
6. Why does the king respond favourably?
7. What is Nehemiah planning to do?
8. How do you think the king decides how he will answer?
9. Could Nehemiah's plan have been accomplished without the help of the king?

Application : Nehemiah sensed, through fasting and prayer, that God was calling him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the gates. He was in a unique position as a special advisor to the king to be able to influence this. Nehemiah found favour with the king who not only allowed him a leave of absence but gave him all he needed to accomplish the goal.

1. What role did Wilberforce's position have in allowing him to take action on slavery?
2. Would you have the courage to ask your boss to allow you, or assist you, with accomplishing something for God? Could you ask for a leave of absence to go on a missions trip, for example?
3. Do you have the kind of relationship with your boss that would give you an opening to share your Christian commitment?
4. If you asked your boss for a leave of absence, or even a day off to volunteer at a church-related activity, what do you think would be his or her response?
5. If you have a boss that is a VIP, you have influence in his or her policy making (you may not even know how big or small that influence is). What can you do to influence these policies to reflect God's interests?
6. How do you know if the policy direction is a correct one? Wilberforce face this dilemma many times in his fight against slavery.