The church, a beacon of hope and righteousness, can sometimes become susceptible to infiltration by forces that seek to undermine its foundation and purpose.
One metaphorical representation of such a force is the Spirit of Jezebel, often used to describe the subtle influence of an unclean spirit that can disrupt the harmony and growth of a congregation.
This spirit doesn’t arrive with a blaring horn, announcing its presence grandly. Instead, it creeps in subtly, disguised in the cloak of familiarity and trust.
It thrives in the shadows of ignorance and complacency, slowly constricting the lifeblood of faith within the church.
The spirit of Jezebel causes divisions within churches, families, and communities. It reduces men to nothing. It tries to take away the authority men and women of God have. It robs men and women from their identities, this spirit causes others to question themselves. This spirit forces those around them to bend to the jezebel spirit’s will.
Many people are unaware there is a jezebel spirit because they don’t have discernment. Contrary to popular beliefs, the jezebel spirit can occupy a man or a woman.
Yes, men can have a jezebel spirit.
The first appearance of Jezebel is in 1 Kings 16. The wicked king Ahab married her in order to assist in leading Israel into Baal worship. She was cunning and spiritually controlling.
We see this in play in 1 Kings 18, when she orders the death of all the prophets of the Lord. She wanted to silence their voices and replace them with altars to Baal.
She kept pursuing Elijah the prophet and later had battles with Elisha. Her wickedness is also on display in 1 Kings 21 in the death of Naboth. Ahab wanted to buy a vineyard form Naboth, but Naboth refused to sell it to him.
He believed doing so would be going against the Lord. Ahab sulked to his queen, but seemed confined to his position of not having this vineyard.
Jezebel wouldn’t take no for an answer. She plotted and schemed and had Naboth killed, and they took his vineyard. She died when taunting Elisha.
She was thrown from a window and trampled by a horse. They wanted to recover her body — to give her a queen’s burial — but most of her body had been eaten by dogs.
Not a very pleasant end. But her death was a fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy against her: Recognizing the signs of this spirit’s presence is crucial for safeguarding the spiritual health of the church.
Here are some of the characteristics to be aware of jezebel spirit in the church:
This spirit thrives on deceit. It weaves a web of lies, twisting truths, and sowing seeds of discord amongst the congregation. Its very nature stands in stark contrast to the unwavering truth and purity of the Holy Spirit.
Preying on the vulnerable and the weak, this spirit seeks to manipulate their emotions, instilling fear, doubt, and despair. It aims to lead them astray from the path of righteousness and faith.In some cases, churches, through inadvertent neglect, create a void within themselves.
Overemphasis on external rituals and traditions can overshadow the vital essence of internal transformation through God’s Spirit. This vacuum leaves individuals open to being re-infected by even more harmful spirits, fostering pride, hypocrisy, and contempt towards others.
Confronting uncomfortable truths and seeking spiritual revival within ourselves and our congregations are the key elements to overcoming the influence of this unclean spirit.
Recognizing its presence and understanding its tactics are the first steps towards disarming its power.
Imagine a church awakened, a community that actively identifies and resists this spirit, reclaiming its vibrancy and purpose. This is the vision we strive for.
The Way Forward
Recognizing the potential dangers of the unclean spirit and its deceptive tactics is the first line of defense.
As believers, seeking the strength and guidance of God through prayer is essential in overcoming any spiritual threats.
Prioritizing individual and collective spiritual growth fosters a strong spiritual foundation, making the congregation less vulnerable to external influences.
Maintaining an open and honest environment allows for open discussions, fostering a sense of accountability and collective responsibility for the church’s spiritual well-being.
The fight against the shadow lurking within is not an insurmountable one. Through awareness, prayer, unwavering faith, and a commitment to individual and collective spiritual growth, we can overcome any darkness that attempts to dim the light of the church.
Let us remain vigilant, discerning, and committed to maintaining the purity and vibrancy of our congregations, ensuring they continue to be beacons of hope and righteousness in the world.