Standing Against the Spirit of Jezebel
Recently, the Lord has been speaking to me about the spirit of Jezebel. This is a dangerous and wicked spirit that I think we all should familiarize ourselves with. After understanding the characteristics of this spirit, I’m seeing an onslaught going on around me.
On one front, I must confess that this spirit has directly influenced me and I have made poor choices. Also, I can see how this spirit is involved in attempts to influence me through others. So far, I have been influenced, but God Almighty is now teaching me, giving me eyes to see, and words to speak against this wicked spirit of Jezebel. Today, I surrender this over to the King of kings and I begin standing against the spirit of Jezebel, in His name. Amen –
2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?
As I search the scripture, I find Jezebel to be very wicked. She deadened the souls of men, lured them in with sensuality and sex, sought out those that are more easily influenced, she was on a power trip, thought nothing of other people’s feelings, she lied, she influenced people to get on board to her own ways of thinking in order to overthrow the righteous, she manipulated, and so on. There are so many more characteristics, it’s mind boggling. She is a man-eater. At times, she also professed to be with God and manipulated Godly men.
This indeed is a wicked spirit that can influence us directly or indirectly. I am speaking of standing against the spirit of Jezebel because it is indeed a spirit. Jesus spoke of the spirit of Jezebel in Revelations –
Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Even Elijah, truly a man of God, who was experiencing the supernatural protection and guidance from God for many years was impacted by this wicked woman. She created fear, intimidated, and caused this man of God to withdraw. Her goal is power for herself and to bring others into submission.
Also, this is not a spirit that can only influence women. We tend to think as such because it was a woman in the bible. But, this is the spirit of Jezebel that does not concern itself with which sex the person is. As a man, I have been influenced directly by the spirit that ended in choices I should not have made.
Remember the awesome Welsh revival that ended after 2 years? (See my previous post – Betrayal of the Ages). Below is how Jezebel ended that revival. I pray for both yours and my protection and guidance pertaining to this spirit. In Jesus name, amen –
The great Welsh revival of 1904 is a shining example of a true move of God. It has been called the “pentecost greater than Pentecost.” Sadly, the revival’s demise is also an excellent example of how Jezebel works against the church.
In just two years, over 100,000 people were saved. Welsh society was revolutionized. Entire towns recorded no arrests for over a year. Places that formerly were hotbeds of vice suddenly became transformed. Police departments were forced to lay off idle officers. Professional sports teams disbanded because no one was willing to miss church for a game. Services continued virtually around the clock and there were demonstrations of God’s presence and power.
When God begins a work, he usually begins with a man. During the Welsh revival that man was Evans Roberts. Evans was only 26 years old at the time. Most of his leaders were only in their late teens and twenties. Evans was deeply devoted to the Lord, and his devotion to wait upon the Lord released a shower of blessings that was a marvel to the Church. Pastors and leaders from around the world streamed to Wales to behold it.
Many people became associated with the revival as it grew. Among these was a well-to-do woman named Jessie Penn-Lewis. For years Penn-Lewis had considered herself a Bible teacher, but she had never found a broad acceptance for her teachings. She had largely been rejected or ignored by most church leaders in Wales. At first, Jessie Penn-Lewis appeared as a friend and financial supporter to Evans Roberts. She gained his confidence, and began speaking into his life.
Long time friends of Evans Roberts expressed concerns that she appeared to isolate Roberts too much, but Roberts trusted Penn-Lewis completely. She began to minister certain messages to Roberts, which appeared to him to be profound corrections from the Lord. These filled him with condemnation. He was convinced her deep “truths” were things he needed to hear.
Mrs. Penn-Lewis began to express her “concern” to Evans that with the revival’s great success, perhaps too much glory was going to Evans Roberts instead of to God. The thought of stealing God’s glory horrified the sincere young man. He began to think that perhaps others should lead for a while. Penn-Lewis convinced Evans Roberts to withdraw from public ministry, and to move into the Penn-Lewis home.
Evans Roberts never returned to the ministry. The Welsh revival ended quickly and quietly.
After a short time in the Penn-Lewis home, Evans Roberts began experiencing severe bouts of depression. Often he was unable to leave the bed for days at a time. He appeared nervous and anxious. By today’s standards he was in severe clinical depression. It took a toll on his health.
Meanwhile, Penn-Lewis began writing articles and letters in Evans Roberts’ name, and on his behalf. These were published in both Roberts and Penn-Lewis’ name, and eventually, in her name alone. According to many former close associates of Evans Roberts, some of the works attributed to him could not possibly have had his approval. Certain publications were highly critical of other movements, especially the newly emerging Pentecostals. Unfortunately, few people were able to see or speak with Evans Roberts. He was kept guarded in the Penn-Lewis home. He was completely dominated.
Evans Roberts spent many dark years of depression in the house of Jezebel. Mercifully, he eventually broke all ties with Penn-Lewis, but not until his health was broken and his ministry just a shadow of its former glory.
Evans Roberts made contributions in two years of ministry, that most never see in a lifetime. His memory should be honored. Nevertheless, he is a sad reminder of the old proverb “Age and treachery will always defeat youth and enthusiasm.” A revival that in 24 months saw 100,000 salvations and a glory some called greater than Pentecost, was destroyed by a single unwitting servant of Jezebel, seeking control in order to gain recognition and acceptance.
