The Point Of No Return ~ Chapter 8

Kenneth, who pastured a large church of several thousand members, was experiencing an unusual number of problems.  Indecision plagued his leadership, unity among church members had begun to unravel, and the church had come under extreme financial hardship. A spirit of sickness and infirmity had begun to powerfully assault the intercessors and their families.  It was the first time that such an unrelenting attack had come against the church.  Even Kenneth’s wife had become very ill.

In the midst of these calamities, a “savior” appeared -- a woman stepped forward to run the daily prayer meetings. At first, Kenneth viewed the woman as an answer from God, despite the fact that two intercessory leaders warned him about this woman. These intercessors claimed to have been given dreams and words of knowledge about this woman, which were hard for Kenneth to believe.

Then, a church member led by the Holy Spirit happened to go to the new prayer leader’s house. As she approached the door, she was startled by strange noises coming from inside. Concerned, she peeked in the front window.  She was horrified to find the woman kneeling on the floor, chanting, and sticking pins in dolls that were dressed like Kenneth’s wife and other various church leaders. Later, it was discovered that the woman was praying for the death of Kenneth’s wife so that she could become his next wife. Sadly, the woman was deceived into thinking that her actions were for the ultimate good of the church.  She truly believed Kenneth’s wife was holding the church back.

Progressive Development

 Left unchecked, a Jezebel spirit will drive a person deeper into occult development. This spirit will seek to destroy the pastor’s home and the life of a church. Unfortunately, this ravaging pattern of events has been replayed countless times by “the mistress of sorceries, who sells… families” (Nahum 3:4).

More than likely, you will find believers in your church family who are innocently deceived by these demonic forces. Since they do not understand God’s Word, they will be unable rightly to discern the spirits that drive them (1 John 4:1; Romans 1:22). Pastors will need to lovingly but firmly confront these individuals. If they do not, Christians under the influence of that spirit will be carried further into greater evil -- not to mention the residual effect that will be left in the church for years to come as the following story illustrates.

Resident In A Church

Glenn attended a spiritually vibrant church. He had an unusual ability to garner sympathy from others. For years, his wife had been sick. Glenn, too, had been fighting various illnesses. However, one never really knew if the illnesses were real or psychosomatic.

Glenn focused his pleas for help on the wealthy members of the church.  Out of sympathy, many funneled money to him.  Since Glenn was a beloved, grandfatherly figure, many began to believe that Glenn could do no wrong. Even the pastors and elders felt sorry for Glenn. Although they recognized his manipulations, they tolerated them and showed displaced mercy.  As a result, a spirit of self-pity and pseudo-spirituality began to spread like a cancer through the body.

Though this charismatic church embraced the gifts of the Holy Spirit, they became impotent to do the works of the Kingdom. The Jezebel spirit that drove Glenn now became a resident within the church.  Furthermore, this spirit was seen as a form of godliness.  Over time, pastors came and went, battling this unseen, spiritual force.  Although the church had been given many prophetic words, God’s promises never came to pass due to the weight of this dark spirit.

The Jezebel spirit became a part of the DNA of the church.  Although Glenn was later confronted by a pastor, and left the church, taking several families with him, this demonic spirit still remained.  Spiritual lethargy permeated the air and a cloak of death filled the atmosphere.

Although a Jezebel Spirit likes to attach itself to a person it can infiltrate and permeate the atmosphere of an entire congregation. Then it will curtail, detour, or even kill prophetic words of invitation to a higher calling for that Body of believers.  A lack of confrontation due to unsanctified mercy can influence the spiritual impact of even a mature church.  Remember, all unchecked sin will eventually ripen and bring forth fruit that leads to death.

Operating Through Non-Christians

Many well-meaning believers who operate in a Jezebel spirit may simply need revelation concerning their error. Most likely, this spirit has not fully matured in their life.  However, other individuals may resemble the mature Jezebel spirit portrayed in Scripture.  Usually these individuals did not know the Lord.  They have deliberately joined with a church to destroy and threw occult means.

As I have mentioned earlier, we see a clear example of this diabolical scheme in Acts 16. A slave girl who was possessed with a spirit of divination met Paul and Silas on their way to a prayer meeting. Being drawn by their anointing, she began following them announcing, “These men are the servants of the most high God, who proclaim us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17).

The devilish strategy was this: in associating with the apostles, the slave girl would appear to have been “endorsed” by Paul and Silas.  Thus, when they continued on their missionary journey, the slave girl would have been positioned to step into prominence.  Thereby, Satan would be able to pervert the gifts and callings that Paul had conferred upon the church in Macedonia.  By way of deception, the enemy could turn their hearts toward another god, Satan.

Balaam’s Error

Balaam, the soothsayer (Joshua 13:22), also drew upon the occult for revelation and empowerment.  In Hebrew, the word “soothsayer” is quacam, which means to determine by magical scroll.  In using the word soothsayer, Scripture suggests that Balaam perverted his prophetic anointing by practicing the magical arts.  Although God spoke to Balaam in the beginning, he later chose to follow darkness, which led to his own demise.

For a hefty reward, Balaam was asked by the messengers of Balak, King of Moab to curse Israel.  God had forbidden Balaam to prophesy against Israel.  Hoping he could change God’s mind, Balaam began to question God.  In doing so, he demonstrated his unbroken will, defiance, and insubordination and became increasingly controlling.  In this way, he was like Jezebel.  He practiced stubborn manipulation and veiled control until he passed the point of no return.  As such, Balaam’s life manifests the progression of a Jezebel spirit.

Ulterior Motives

A subtle distinction exists between and entreating God as an intercessor and seeking to override God’s commands as a manipulator. A person’s motive distinguishes the two. Motive will discern personal gain from corporate gain. Since God is able to search our hearts and discern our motives, He knew that Balaam wanted to manipulate God’s laws in order to claim the reward. Balaam’s motive was driven by selfish desires.

As an intercessor, Abraham entreated God for the salvation of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18). Moses, whom God said was the most humble man on the face of the Earth, interceded on behalf of the Hebrew children. Moses asked God to take his life rather than wipe out his countrymen (Exodus 32:32). God heard the cries of both Abraham and Moses and intervened.

Intercession seeks restoration and building up to the things of God. A Jezebel spirit, on the other hand, seeks to unravel and destroy the things of God. Here’s the test for all intercessors: God may choose to deny a prayer request for His own reasons. When this happens, how we respond to God’s refusal determines everything that follows.

Insubordination

Wrong responses originate in an attitude of subtle questioning and cajoling. These arise from a heart of insubordination.  Just as rebellion is as witchcraft, the Lord says that insubordination is as idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).  In the Hebrew, insubordination means “to push, to press, to urge.”  A heart of insubordination refuses to be persuaded by those in authority. Individuals with such a heart will distrust, resist and look for a way to thwart authority. They will do anything to get what they want.

As Scripture records, God played a long with Balaam’s insubordination (Numbers 22:20).  But when God plays along with our game, beware!  His judgment is waiting on the threshold.

Although a child may question, urge, and insist on his or her way, this does not mean the child has a Jezebel spirit.  However, it does indicate that the child is developing a strong will which will need to be corrected.  The same is true about a Christian who has an insistent, strong will.  Ultimately, the individual will need to be yielded and submitted to the Lord as well as to the spiritual authorities placed over him or her.

Discerning Motives

Whenever a motive to usurp authority is discerned, confrontation must come from the pastor.  A pastor must personally question such individuals and discern their motives.  In addition, such confrontations should be done with great gentleness (Galatians 6:1), seeking to avoid putting people in defensive postures.  However, be prepared.  A person with a Jezebel spirit will try to convince a pastor or leadership that he or she is innocent.  They will deny any wrongdoing or underhandedness.  They will insist their insights and methods are correct.  Furthermore, these appeals will usually have a controlling, demanding spirit behind them.

Giving Impurely

When Balaam’s questioning did not accomplish his goals, he tried another tactic.  He offered a sacrifice to God, hoping God would relent and grant his request (Numbers 23:1-3). Balaam’s sacrifice, however, was an attempt to manipulate God.  In a similar way, carnally minded individuals may give a gift or a sacrifice to procure God’s favor.

When Balaam tried to entice God, it suggested that his heart was hardened and insensitive toward the Lord. Balaam believed that he could wheedle God. He had applied that logic to other gods -- evil spirits who had given him knowledge by occult means.  Now he was unable to distinguish Jehovah God from other gods.  Naturally, Balaam’s enticement failed.

A similar fate awaits those operating with a Jezebel spirit.  They will sacrifice much, mostly in the eyesight of others.  They will dance, cry, raise their hands, fast, and go on various spiritual campaigns in order to move the hand of God.  But God’s arm will not be twisted by their spiritual ploys.  God will not move on behalf of any individual whose motives are impure.

Like Balaam, those with a Jezebel spirit will bait, entice, and sell themselves to obtain power and endorsement.  These individuals must be confronted during these campaigns and show their need for repentance.

Intent To Injure

Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the council of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was that plague among the congregation of the Lord ~ Numbers 31:16.

Balaam’s next ploy was manipulation that proved costly to others. Manipulation, in itself, is wrong. Coupled with malice, it becomes evil. When malice is evident, confrontation must occur. According to Webster’s Dictionary, to manipulate means “to manage or control artfully or by shrewd use of influence, especially in an unfair or fraudulent way.” Manipulation involves skill and influence. It is often used underhandedly or covertly, in order to gain advantage.

Prostituting his prophetic gift by the practice of divination for hire, Balaam manipulated the men of Israel and exploited their weakness by placing beautiful women before them, causing them to stumble sexually. Thereby, the Jews forsook their love of Jehovah God and committed spiritual adultery. Having calculated their downfall, Balaam knew their sexual sin would force God to judge them -- creating the same effect as it would had Balaam actually demanded God curse Israel. Hence, Balaam would acquire his reward and Israel would be cursed.

Balaam’s heart was hardened to the Lord (Numbers 22:7, 24:1). He was not remembered as a prophet of God, but as a soothsayer.

Manipulation Grieves the Holy Spirit

Most of us can recognize the evil in manipulating others with malice. But someone with a Jezebel spirit may justify evil actions by the supposed good it will eventually bring. The outcome makes no difference -- an individual is deceived when he or she uses manipulation, even for the supposed welfare of others.

Unfortunately, many believe they are justified in their actions because they claim “it’s for the greater good” of the church. Their logic may sound spiritual, even unselfish, in their own distorted way of thinking. But do not be deceived. Manipulation comes from a wrong spirit. It does not reflect submission to God’s authority and order. Even if these Christians are in leadership, manipulation by anyone grieves the Holy Spirit.

Although not all manipulation is malicious, it is always wrong because it involves setting up people or circumstances to gain desired end results. It is self-serving, even when we think it’s for the good of others. Manipulation actually promotes our thoughts above God’s thoughts. Whenever we push our ideas ahead of waiting for God to act, we reveal our pride, which is a form of idolatry. Therefore, manipulation must be confronted in the Body of Christ and in personal relationships.

Veiled Manipulation

Rick had taken a pastoral position in a church that was known for its compassion to the poor. His church was struggling, and soon he realized why. He discovered that the person who started most of the gossip sat outside his office. His secretary was revealing personal information about everyone who came for counseling, who gave gifts, or who had problems of any kind. After a series of unheeded warnings, Rick had to let her go. While this was done properly, he began hearing rumors of how heartless he had been. Even his elders, who had initially agreed with him, later questioned every decision he made.

Soon, Rick discovered a second problem. His former secretary was a very good friend of the church cleaning woman who had been attending the church for years. The cleaning woman would periodically come up with strange, prophetic-sounding dreams.

Whenever the Holy Spirit would anoint a service, this woman took great delight in telling everyone that she had dreamed about it happening. However, Rick found it hard to keep track of all her dreams and understand how she applied a dream to a particular event. To complicate matters, this woman was in her 60’s and used her “prophecies,” along with her ill health, to elicit sympathy from others. They, in turn, would feel sorry for her and give her money. In time, this woman became the “real boss” of the church because she had manipulated leadership with her pseudo-spirituality. Whatever she said became the final word! She was also a worse gossiper than Rick’s former secretary. Feigning humility, she claimed that she never knew why prophecies were ever more than fragmentally true, at best.

The turning point came when Rick caught her prophesying about a situation she had discovered by shuffling through papers left on his desk. On this occasion, Rick had forgotten to clear his desk, though that was his usual practice. When she claimed to have received the revelation from God, that was the last straw. Rick let her go and mercifully gave her a month’s severance pay. However, she contacted each board member and leader, claiming she was terminated because of her friendship with Rick’s former secretary. In a surprising turn of events, the board and leadership insisted that Rick reinstate her. Within a year, Rick left the church and three years after that the church died.

Twisted Thinking

Today, many pastors have felt the effects of a fully developed and demonically empowered Jezebel spirit. Some have had curses placed on them through carnal prayers of well-meaning people, supposedly to accomplish “God’s will.”

Individuals given to a Jezebel spirit have a conscience that has been seared -- calling good “evil” and evil “good.” Their speculations have become futile and their hearts have become darkened. Scripture says they are without excuse.

Thinking themselves to be wise, they became fools. ~ Romans 1:20-22

When an individual given over to a Jezebel spirit reaches this stage of maliciousness, confrontation and removal must occur. The time for repentance has passed.

Violence And Aggression

And she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent letters to the elders and the nobles who were dwelling in the city with Naboth. She wrote in the letters, saying ‘proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth with high honor among the people; and seat two men, scoundrels, before him, saying, ‘You have blasphemed God and the king.’ Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die.’ ~ 1 Kings 21:8-10

In this biblical account, Jezebel proclaimed a fast and planted false witnesses to achieve her objectives. Similarly, someone given over to a Jezebel spirit may use spiritual disciplines while stirring up accusations designed to support his or her cause. This may take the form of verbal malice or even overt forms of hostility. These attacks increase in intensity toward the intended victim, as demonic spirits empower the Jezebelite. Such actions indicate deeply rooted animosity and hatred toward those who disagree with a Jezebelite’s will and desires.

In the end, individuals fully given over to a Jezebel spirit malign, disgrace, and seek to destroy a person’s influence. They do this by speaking evil of their victim’s spirituality and attempting to destroy the person’s influence. Jezebel illustrated this when she seized Naboth’s vineyard. Scripture reveals the strength of her malice and the extent of her violence and aggression.

Individuals given over to a Jezebel spirit may confine their actions to emotional, verbal, or mental abuse. They may explode with rage and with vengeance. However, they justify their ruthless actions by continuing to believe that the end result justifies the means.

Murderous Rage

Jezebel plotted to frame Naboth and then kill him -- all in the proper religious forms of the day -- since he refused to sell his vineyard to Ahab who coveted it. Before his leaders and his neighbors, she coerced two false witnesses to accuse Naboth of cursing God. Then she compelled the elders of Israel to comply with the Law and stone him. Although she was “religious,” she was guilty of murder, which is an evil tool to subjugate the will of someone else.

In essence, Jezebel’s greatest act of control was murdering someone -- whether it was Naboth or the hundreds of God’s prophets -- to acquire what you wanted. Balaam, too, brought about the destruction of many by his shrewdness. Both Balaam and Jezebel were executed by a kingly figure: Balaam was slain at the command of Moses and Jezebel was killed at the command of Jehu.

So it must be with the Church today. A pastor must not allow innocent people to be injured or destroyed by someone’s lust for power and control. The Jezebel spirit cannot be tolerated in the Body of Christ. Pastoral leadership must remove this dark influence in their church.

This principle is exactly what the apostle Paul ordered the Church in Corinth to do, when he admonished them to cast out the young man who was sexually involved with his stepmother (1 Corinthians 5). The dark spirit would infect the entire church.

Practiced Skills

Individuals with a Jezebel spirit are skilled in getting their way. They may use strategies of flattery, persuasion, sexual seduction, slander, lying, accusation, intimidation, secrecy, persecution, framing another person for a wrong done, or generating emotional and/or spiritual dependency in someone.

Such individuals are driven by jealousy, rivalry, elitism, and a need to self-promote, dominate, and monopolize someone’s time and attention. Furthermore, these individuals will malign anyone who gets in their way.

When left unchecked, the Jezebel spirit will cause some people to actively pursue one leader after another, each time stating their case to gain acceptance. Like rebellious children going from one parent to the other. Jezebelites search out others to agree with their grievances. They will seek to influence others to heed their selfish demands. If a situation is not resolved to their satisfaction, Jezebel will malign -- insinuate, badmouth, smear -- their target and plant libelous doubts in the minds of others. They will also coyly violate disciplinary instructions, in an attempt to garner misguided sympathy and support. This tactic seems to satiate Jezebel’s false sense of justice.

Jealousy

A spirit of jealousy plays a key role in fueling a Jezebel spirit. Jealousy seeks to monopolize the attention, admiration, or energy of its subjects. When coupled with control, a person driven by jealousy will seek to eliminate any competition.

A Jezebelite is always threatened by gifted prophetic people, because through revelation a Jezebelite’s cloaked schemes are revealed. A prophetic intercessor whose prayer can depose a Jezebelite’s power base is likewise a formidable foe. Thus, a Jezebelite despises authentic intercessory prayer and anointed prophetic ministries. True prophetic anointing manifests God-ordained spiritual authority. A Jezebelite, who seeks to control others, will be frustrated by godly authority and threatened by those to whom it is entrusted.

Accusation

Accusation is another common tool used by an individual with a Jezebel spirit. When this spirit is fully developed, demons assist the person to intimidate and induce fear in others.

Accusation’s power is satanic. It sows fear in an individual’s heart. It causes people to run. Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), as well as the father of lies. A spirit of accusation  has no truthful rationale behind it. Therefore, it cannot be reasoned with. It can only be dealt with as the Holy Spirit enlightens those in leadership. As with Korah, there will always be something to camouflage the real issue, which is a spirit of lawlessness.

Those who walk in an accusing spirit are actually agreeing with the doctrine of demons. Therefore, God will hold them accountable, no matter what situation they are trying to correct. This is why the apostle James says that wherever you find slander and accusation, there also exists every evil thing (James 3:16).

An accusing spirit also works hand-and-glove with a religious spirit. Together, they become a formidable and unrighteous force at work in a church, forging a critical base of support for Satan’s cause.

Pastors and leaders who seek to deal with a Jezebel spirit should be aware of operating in an accusing spirit. If a pastor or leader brings a charge against a Jezebelite, it must be based on factual evidence supported by witnesses. Unwise accusations, on the other hand, are based on supposition -- what you believe is going on. Improper accusations are fueled by fear and will only result in denial and a “kick-back” of charges in retaliation against a pastor, causing a pastor to lose favor with leadership.