The Story of Jezebel: A Cautionary Tale

 

Greetings, friends. 

This is Vivionne, and I'd like to share the story of Jezebel with you. As we know, Jezebel was a queen—an evil queen, to be precise. Her wickedness was so great that the prophet Elijah had to confront her, drawing his strength from God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jezebel in Scripture

The Bible provides a detailed account of Jezebel's life and actions. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and became the wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Jezebel was known for her idolatry, particularly her worship of Baal, and her persecution of God's prophets.

Jezebel's Wickedness

She influenced King Ahab to serve Baal and set up an altar for him (1 Kings 16:31-32)

She massacred the prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4)

She threatened to kill Elijah after he defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-2)

The Jezebel Spirit in Modern Times

The term "Jezebel spirit" has come to represent a combination of negative traits, including:

* Narcissism

* Pride

* Controlling behavior

* Manipulation

* Evil intentions

* Anger

This spirit can manifest in various settings, including churches, workplaces, and personal relationships. It's important to note that this spirit is not limited to women; men can also exhibit these traits.

Personal Experience with a Jezebel Spirit

I once worked for a female doctor who exhibited characteristics of the Jezebel spirit. Her husband was a pastor, which added a spiritual dimension to the situation. As I gained more attention in the workplace, she began to target my vulnerabilities, attempting to manipulate and control me.

This experience left me feeling broken and fragmented. However, with the help of a friend and professional mental health support, I was able to heal and become whole again.

Lessons from Elijah's Encounter with Jezebel

Even Elijah, a powerful prophet who had just defeated the prophets of Baal, experienced fear and despair when faced with Jezebel's threats. After his great victory on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40), Elijah fled for his life when Jezebel vowed to kill him (1 Kings 19:1-3).

This shows that even the strongest among us can experience moments of weakness and fragmentation. However, God provided for Elijah, strengthened him, and gave him new purpose (1 Kings 19:4-18).

Conclusion

When dealing with people who exhibit traits of the Jezebel spirit:

1. Be wise and discerning

2. Maintain your kindness and respect

3. Stay attentive to warning signs

4. Keep your focus on your spiritual growth

5. Seek help and support when needed

Remember, it's okay to distance yourself from toxic individuals. Learn to reconnect with yourself and your faith. 

As we navigate these challenges, we can look forward to the day when we can walk with our Lord Jesus Christ and never again have a Jezebel in our lives.

Don't let a Jezebel fragment you. Let your light shine even when faced with a Jezebel spirit, as God did with Elijah, he will do the same with you.