April 26 Jezebel: Avoiding the Spirit of Manipulation

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 Theme: Recognising and rejecting behaviours that oppose God’s will.

Asha Singh George Town SDA Church

Key Verse: "Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah saying, so let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." – 1 Kings 19:2

Would you name your child Jezebel? Likely not, and for good reason. Though she was a queen and the wife of King Ahab of Israel, her character was marked by manipulation, control, rebellion, and idolatry. The Bible (1 Kings 16-19) paints a picture of her as a ruthless leader who sought to eliminate the worship of God in Israel.

Two key events highlight Jezebel’s dangerous nature. First, she aggressively sought to exterminate the prophets of the Lord, replacing true worship with Baal worship (1 Kings 18:4, 13). Her greatest opponent, Elijah, challenged her priests in a dramatic contest on Mount Carmel, proving God’s power. Yet, despite witnessing miracles, Jezebel remained unrepentant and swore to kill Elijah.

Second, in the case of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21), Jezebel manipulated events to have an innocent man falsely accused and executed, simply to satisfy Ahab’s desire for land. Her relentless pursuit of power, regardless of the cost, demonstrated a dangerous and destructive spirit.

Jezebel’s influence extended beyond her lifetime. Even Jesus referenced her in Revelation 2: 20 warning against her legacy of idolatry and immorality. Her spirit—marked by control, manipulation, and rebellion—led an entire nation astray and inflicted emotional and spiritual harm on those around her.

Lessons from Jezebel’s Story

  1. Avoid Sexual Immorality – It leads to personal and family destruction.
  2. Reject Revenge – A vengeful heart distances us from God.
  3. Stay Away from Idolatry – Anything that takes priority over God is idolatry.
  4. Be Spiritually Alert – Know God’s Word and follow Him, not worldly influences.
  5. Stay Committed to God – A strong relationship with Christ helps us resist manipulative and destructive influences.

Reflection

The "Jezebel spirit" still exists today, working to corrupt believers spiritually and morally. It promotes deception, manipulation, and rebellion while undermining true worship. To guard against this influence, we must stay rooted in God's truth, remain prayerful, and prioritize His sovereignty in all aspects of life.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I pray for a heart like yours. I pray against the spirit of Jezebel in my life. Help me to be grounded in you. Help me to do an introspection of my life and see where I have gone against your will and help me to make a change. I love you Jesus and I want to be like you. So take my life and let it be what you will have it to be. Amen

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