You Need A Jezebel!

Jezebels reveal our weaknesses. Jezebels help us to realize that we are not as strong as we think. Jezebels show us our need for God’s grace and mercy.

Yes! You!

And don’t say Tufiakwa because you need one!

I know Jezebel has been painted black. Jezebel is the brand name for immorality, idolatry and all forms of evil. She was that evil princess and queen who sealed Ahab’s fate in the enterprise of advancing satanic agenda.

She was the first woman in the Bible who employed the power of cosmetics in advancing evil intentions. The book of revelation spoke about how Jezebel has brought down God’s servant into immorality and how she will be judged (Revelation 2:20-23).

I remember how my mum used to pray for me passionately that I will never marry a Jezebel.

But all these doesn’t invalidate the fact that you may need “a Jezebel”! I know you don’t like this but that will not stop me from telling you again, you need “a Jezebel”!

The reason is simple! There is a syndrome that now plagues many Christians that only “a Jezebel” can cure. This syndrome is so endemic in the church today that an average Christian is suffering from it.

Like the Coronavirus, the symptoms are not immediate. So, we do not often realize that we have contracted the disease. You can still carry on with your life thinking you are okay until you come down with bouts of spiritual fever.

As great as Elijah was, he suffered this syndrome until he met Jezebel. Jezebel brought a permanent cure to this disease in the life of the fiery prophet.

Elijah was involved in many kingdom activities and responsibilities. He was zealous for God's name. He stood up to a wicked king while other prophets were hiding and cringing in fear. He declared a famine, called down the fire from heaven and executed the prophets of Baal. He also prayed down the rain again after three years, six months.

Elijah didn’t know that he had been using a lot of spiritual energy. He was carried away by the exploits and revival that was happening in the land. He failed to make time out to eat and recharge. He was so preoccupied. He did not realize that he was spiritually drained until Jezebel showed up!

It took a Jezebel to heal Elijah of spiritual exhaustion. Jezebel's message sent Elijah back to the secret place. The mighty and ferocious prophet could not stand the threat of the woman called Jezebel despite all the terrific works God had used him to do. He ran for his dear life.

Jezebel’s message to Elijah was simple,

“So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of them by tomorrow about this time” (1 Kings 19:2).

There was no fluff in Jezebel's message to Elijah. He made it too clear for him to doubt what was about to happen to him. The mission and the timing were stated. Jezebel wasn't kidding. Elijah was going to be a dead man the day following a landslide exploit.

Unfortunately, Elijah couldn't muster any spiritual strength to confront this evil of a woman. Something told him, "Oh boy, run for your life!"

“Terrified, Elijah quickly ran for his life. He travelled the length of Israel in one day and finally arrived at Beersheba, the southern point of God’s territory, which is in Judah. When he arrived, he instructed his servant to remain there while he sought solitude. He journeyed into the desert for one day and then decided to rest beneath the limbs of a broom tree” (1Kings 19:3-4 The Voice).

Elijah went as far as Beersheba, travelling the entire length of Israel in one day. That’s like leaving Sokoto and travelling down to Warri. Even at that, Elijah went another day's journey into the wilderness such that it would be impossible for Jezebel's police to find him.

We all admire the courage of Elijah. But what could have terrified such a bold prophet in the words of Jezebel? Why will such a man as Elijah flee? It is simply this terrible syndrome.

But thank God Elijah knew how to run unlike most of us who will keep using boldface even when everything signals retreat. We are like the disciples of Jesus who continued to waste their time trying to cast out an epileptic demon that they didn’t possess the power to exorcise.

We have become victims of this satanic syndrome, especially in this busy and distracting world.

You suddenly realized that you have stopped taking your spiritual life seriously. Your heart has become far from God. You have stopped praying, and fasting and meditating in the word. You have become too busy and your walk with God has been relegated to the background.

Most of us have bogus public life but a weak and lean secret life. We are too busy. Some of our church systems are even designed to further complicate this problem. We are occupied with activities that deprive us of having private and personal time with the Lord. Many believers are alien to the sacredness and blessedness of having a daily time with the Holy Spirit.

This is why God is often forced to arrange Jezebels to bring us back to Him. Jezebels reveal our weaknesses. Jezebels help us to realize that we are not as strong as we think. Jezebels show us our need for God’s grace and mercy.

Jezebels can revive dead prayer lives and teach you night vigils. Jezebels can teach you fasting. Jezebels can teach you faith.

Have you been too busy with work and the cares of life? Have you been distracted? Are you a minister who preaches and prays for people but rarely finds time for yourself? Have you been running your life on a low spiritual battery? Is your spiritual tank running out of fuel? Do you feel internally exhausted and tired? Have you lost joy and fulfilment and you are only dragging your life on?

Don’t wait until a Jezebel shows up and disgraces you. Don’t wait until a challenge reveals your true self. You know intuitively how things have been with you. It is time to retreat, recharge, refuel and renew!

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15 NKJV).

In the desert, Elijah had a chance to pray again for himself. He had a chance to rest and recuperate. God’s angels had a chance to minister to him. He ate heaven’s food. He also had a chance to fast for forty days.

In this retreat, God spoke to Him again in a still small voice, a voice he couldn’t hear in the hustle and bustle of ministerial engagements.

Perhaps, your current challenges, failed business or relationship, health issues, stress, financial struggles, delay, trials, troubles and the internal dissatisfaction you feel about life are God’s way of getting back your attention.

The pressures of life are God’s way of calling us to get closer to Him.

Maybe God allowed these "Jezebels" to help you reset spiritually. Learn to run and retreat just like Elijah did. 

Fully fortified, Elijah returned to deal with the same woman that sent him on the run. He was back and better. Don’t let the Jezebels of this life deal with you. There is a time to retreat and recharge.

Remember Naboth!

© Olufemi Babalola

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