What steps can we take to avoid Jezebel's prideful and rebellious behavior? Setting the Scene at Jezreel “When Jehu entered the gate, she asked, ‘Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?’ ” (2 Kings 9:31) Jezebel leans from her palace window, painted and proud, greeting God-appointed judgment with mocking sarcasm. Her single sentence reveals a heart hardened by years of idolatry, manipulation, and contempt for divine authority. Spotting the Roots of Jezebel’s Fall • Prideful self-exaltation (1 Kings 21:7–10) • Defiance toward God-ordained leadership (2 Kings 9:31) • Unrepentant idolatry (1 Kings 18:19) • Manipulative control of others (1 Kings 21:11–14) • Hardened, unteachable spirit (cf. Proverbs 29:1) • Influence that spreads corruption (Revelation 2:20) Steps to Guard Our Hearts Today 1. Choose daily humility • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Start each day acknowledging God’s sovereignty and our dependence. 2. Keep short accounts with God • When the Spirit convicts, confess immediately (1 John 1:9). • Jezebel’s tragedy began long before Jehu’s arrival; she ignored countless warnings. 3. Submit to godly authority • “Every person must be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1) • Refuse the instinct to undermine leaders; pray for them instead (1 Timothy 2:1–2). 4. Elevate Scripture over opinion • Hide the Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) so feelings never outrank truth. • Jezebel trusted her royal position; we trust God’s unchanging promises. 5. Guard your tongue • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Replace sarcasm and slander with encouragement and blessing. 6. Cultivate servant leadership • Jesus washed feet (John 13:14–15); pride dissolves when we serve. • Look for unseen tasks, celebrate others’ success. 7. Practice accountability • “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about attitude and motives. 8. Reject manipulation; embrace intercession • Jezebel schemed; Elijah prayed. Follow Elijah’s pattern (James 5:17–18). • When tempted to control, turn instead to earnest prayer. 9. Keep worship pure • “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) • Regularly examine where time, money, and affection flow. 10. Remember pride’s end • “Pride goes before destruction.” (Proverbs 16:18) • Jezebel’s dramatic fall underscores the certainty of God’s justice. Walking in Humble Obedience Clothe yourself “with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:5–6) When we heed these steps—anchored in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit—we sidestep Jezebel’s path and walk in the freedom and safety of humble obedience. |
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