UnMasking The Jezebel Spirt Chapter 5

For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Matthew 14:3-12

Mark 6:14–29 The Message

King Herod heard of all this, for by this time the name of Jesus was on everyone’s lips. He said, “This has to be John the Baptizer come back from the dead—that’s why he’s able to work miracles!” Others said, “No, it’s Elijah.” Others said, “He’s a prophet, just like one of the old-time prophets.” But Herod wouldn’t budge: “It’s John, sure enough. I cut off his head, and now he’s back, alive.” Herod was the one who had ordered the arrest of John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison at the nagging of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias “adultery.” Herodias, smoldering with hate, wanted to kill him, but didn’t dare because Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt—and yet he couldn’t stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back. But a portentous day arrived when Herod threw a birthday party, inviting all the brass and bluebloods in Galilee. Herodias’s daughter entered the banquet hall and danced for the guests. She dazzled Herod and the guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me anything. I’ll give you anything you want.” Carried away, he kept on, “I swear, I’ll split my kingdom with you if you say so!” She went back to her mother and said, “What should I ask for?” “Ask for the head of John the Baptizer.” Excited, she ran back to the king and said, “I want the head of John the Baptizer served up on a platter. And I want it now!” That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish. The king sent the executioner off to the prison with orders to bring back John’s head. He went, cut off John’s head, brought it back on a platter, and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and got the body and gave it a decent burial.

Lk 9:7

Luke 9:7–9 NLT

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see him.

HERODIAS HATED HIM WITH all her heart. Even though he was now in prison, it seemed his voice would never be silenced. However, this would soon change. Although her lover was an evil man, he would not order the execution of this prisoner who was esteemed as a prophet. He feared an uprising, so she would have to try another ploy. As much as she hated to admit it, Herodias knew his real lust was for her daughter, Salome. Patiently, she waited to launch her plan on his birthday, which the powerful and the influential would attend from around the empire.

Dressed in a violet tunic that draped her body, the young girl approached Herod and whispered in his ear. He smiled and then asked her to entertain him. As the beautiful young woman began to dance, her seductive moves enticed everyone in the room, especially Herod. Intoxicated and aroused by passion, he offered to fulfill any wish she might have. As Salome looked secretly to her mother, she smiled and said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” Bewitched by Herodias’ beautiful daughter, Herod was putty in the girl’s hands.

THE DANCE OF SEDUCTION

The demonic spirit that inspired Herodias to murder John the Baptist () was the Jezebel spirit. The spirit of Elijah that rested on John the Baptist had once again threatened and challenged the spirit of Jezebel. Herod, who had an Ahab spirit, was unable to say no to Herodias’ demands. In placating her demands, he got what he wanted—sexual favors. She got what she wanted—the death of the prophet who threatened her rise to even greater power and authority.

say no to Herodias’ demands. In placating her demands, he got what he wanted—sexual favors. She got what she wanted—the death of the prophet who threatened her rise to even greater power and authority. FALSE FLATTERY Flattery is a primary tool used by someone influenced by the Jezebel spirit. Flattery is often used to pry open a door to endorsement by church leadership. Although offering sincere compliments that edify others in the Body of Christ are good, flattery differs in its motive. Flattery seeks to gain approval and recognition from those in authority. Thereby, this spirit only gives in order to get, stealing authority and favor that would rightfully have been given to someone else. Mistakenly, many pastors believe that a person with a strong prophetic gift automatically possesses the same level of moral character. However, a person operating with a Jezebel spirit—as well as an immature prophetic individual—can portray a very real and sometimes

Jackson, John Paul. Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit (Kindle Locations 707-710). Streams Ministries. Kindle Edition.

FALSE FLATTERY

Flattery is a primary tool used by someone influenced by the Jezebel spirit. Flattery is often used to pry open a door to endorsement by church leadership. Although offering sincere compliments that edify others in the Body of Christ are good, flattery differs in its motive. Flattery seeks to gain approval and recognition from those in authority. Thereby, this spirit only gives in order to get, stealing authority and favor that would rightfully have been given to someone else. Mistakenly, many pastors believe that a person with a strong prophetic gift automatically possesses the same level of moral character. However, a person operating with a Jezebel spirit—as well as an immature prophetic individual—can portray a very real and sometimes awesome prophetic gift, but remain extremely weak in moral character as well as theology. In someone guided by a sophisticated Jezebel spirit, flattery will transcend and smooth over any differences between people. Flattery may be employed to portray profound admiration. It may seem to endorse the church’s vision and direction. Such individuals will speak the same language as the pastor and leaders, but their motives will be to gain position and control. Stripped down, this strategy is “to conquer by joining” in spirit.

LAYING A TRAP

When flattery is being bestowed by individuals with a Jezebel spirit, they may tell the pastor about the great things the pastor will accomplish, building up false hopes and false expectations about his or her future. Once this trap is set, the pastor will be told at precisely timed moments of weakness that there exists a danger to God’s plans; someone or something is holding the pastor back. It may be the pastor’s spouse, an elder or even another church member. This Jezebel may be heard praying for God to remove a “mystery” person so the pastor “can become all he or she is called to become.” The praying one then guards the identity of the “mystery” person until confident of having a strong base of church support. Then, the identity of the person who is supposedly a threat will be revealed. This usually results in the mystery person’s removal from a position of influence. These destructive maneuvers can bring incredible pressures on a pastor, who is provoked to arise and prove his or her worth and anointing to the church.

PITTING ONE AGAINST THE OTHER

Flattery can also become a catalyst for causing division. Usually this ploy is accomplished through creating destructive “relational triangles.” In a triangle, Jezebel will befriend person A and person B. However, Jezebel will slowly convince person A that person B does not like him or her. She will also convince person B that person A does not like him or her. Then, Jezebel will appear as a peacemaker who has a deep desire to see each one succeed. By pitting each one’s gifting or wisdom against another’s, this individual produces jealousy, strife, and contention—even in the strongest of relationships. There is no satisfying the endless demands of a Jezebel spirit, because there is always something or someone standing in the way of their quest for power. This drives a pastor to discouragement, defeat, and despair. Over the years, I have watched many pastors retreat to another church rather than fight this battle. Someone with a Jezebel spirit will seek to gain sympathy from many people, especially when confronted. Such individuals will claim they have been spiritually abused. They may use “buzz words” to disarm arguments against them. If a pastor responds defensively to their discourse, he will only reinforce their accusations of being spiritually abused. If a pastor does not have a strong relationship with church leadership, he or she may become trapped in an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless catch-22 situation.

The following story illustrates this: Kevin, who pastored a small congregation of nearly 100 members, began to notice that his worship leader, a man in his late twenties, was taking a lot of liberty during worship. He would often force people to combine various gestures with their praise and worship—dancing or marching around the auditorium. Kevin became troubled because he felt that such expressions should come as a result of the direction of the Holy Spirit, not in an attempt to coerce the Holy Spirit to come. Kevin also observed obvious signs of control and manipulation from the worship leader toward various members of the congregation. On Sunday, the worship leader had publicly challenged Kevin’s authority and leadership ability. To complicate the matter, the small church was growing and the worship leader was the only person in the church who could lead praise and worship. Freely, Kevin admitted he couldn’t “carry a tune in a bucket.” What was Kevin to do? The worship leader’s lawlessness had escalated. Would Kevin have the courage to remove him regardless of the consequences? To do so, Kevin would have to believe in the sovereignty of God. No matter what it would look like initially, the church would become healthier with the worship leader’s removal. Thereby, the church would grow correctly.

STRATEGIC AFFILIATION

An individual with a Jezebel spirit strategically affiliates with others in the Body who move in spiritual realms. Such individuals realize that those who are spiritual are looked upon favorably. Therefore, an individual with a Jezebel spirit shares that favor through strategic affiliation. Thus, this individual mounts his or her campaign to win popular and pastoral endorsement in his or her bid for growing influence. An example of strategic affiliation is seen when the apostles Paul and Silas were on their way to prayer and a woman with a Jezebel spirit joined them. Simply by walking beside them, she insinuated that she too was going to prayer, hoping to win the acceptance of Paul and Silas and those who watched. She also began to proclaim they were servants of God

Acts 16:16–20 YLT

And it came to pass in our going on to prayer, a certain maid, having a spirit of Python, did meet us, who brought much employment to her masters by soothsaying, she having followed Paul and us, was crying, saying, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who declare to us a way of salvation;’ and this she was doing for many days, but Paul having been grieved, and having turned, said to the spirit, ‘I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come forth from her;’ and it came forth the same hour. And her masters having seen that the hope of their employment was gone, having caught Paul and Silas, drew them to the market-place, unto the rulers, and having brought them to the magistrates, they said, ‘These men do exceedingly trouble our city, being Jews;

Acts 16:16 NLT

One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes.

Pretending to be an intercessor, she attempted to gain a spiritual foothold in the city. Discerning her motives, Paul ended up delivering the woman of a spirit of divination. By use of strategic affiliation, this demonic spirit sought to acquire a deeper foothold of influence in the region.

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Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Python

2. A spirit of divination (python, Gk., Acts 16:16). The word “Python” is not used in the Bible, but the Greek word does occur. Greeks believed the Python was first the dragon guarding the oracle at Delphi, later slain by Apollo. The dragon’s spirit influenced the shrine’s priestess who gave revelations. Those who possessed the diviner’s or soothsayer’s spirit (ventriloquists) exhibited what many called demon possession as noted in Mark 1:23–26. Paul encountered this in Acts 16:16–26 where he cast the spirit out of a slave girl

Act 8:8-10

Pretending to be an intercessor, she attempted to gain a

Acts 8:8–10 YLT

Acts 8:8–15 YLT

and there was great joy in that city. And a certain man, by name Simon, was before in the city using magic, and amazing the nation of Samaria, saying himself to be a certain great one, to whom they were all giving heed, from small unto great, saying, ‘This one is the great power of God;’ and they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with deeds of magic. And when they believed Philip, proclaiming good news, the things concerning the reign of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women; and Simon also himself did believe, and, having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed. And the apostles in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria hath received the word of God, did send unto them Peter and John, who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit,—

Acts 8:10–15 YLT

to whom they were all giving heed, from small unto great, saying, ‘This one is the great power of God;’ and they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with deeds of magic. And when they believed Philip, proclaiming good news, the things concerning the reign of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women; and Simon also himself did believe, and, having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed. And the apostles in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria hath received the word of God, did send unto them Peter and John, who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit,—

Acts 8:8–20 NLT

So there was great joy in that city. A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

Acts 8:21–24 MEV

You have neither part nor share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me that nothing you have spoken may come upon me.”

Acts 8:21–26 NLT

You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News. As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

Acts 8:21-

A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology, Volumes I–V Python

PYTHON.—The reading πύθωνα in Ac 16:16 is attested by the overwhelming evidence of אABC* D*. The inferior reading πύθωνος, found in C3D2 EHLP, is easily explained. The accusative form was not understood. Hence the more intelligible construction with the genitive (cf. Lk 4:33). The reading πύθωνα is obviously the right one (so Lachm. Tisch. WH, Blass)

The name Πύθων as a Greek term must be connected with that of the district Πυθώ in Phocis, which lay at the foot of Parnassus where the town Delphi was situated. Its geographical association with the Delphic oracle over which Apollo presided gave rise to the adjective Πύθιος as an epithet of Apollo. His priestess was called ἡ Πυθία. Also the name Πύθων, derived from this local connexion, was bestowed on the serpent whom the god was believed to have slain when he took possession of the Delphic oracle. According to Apollodorus (I. iv. 1) this oracle was formerly in possession of the goddess Themis, and the mysterious chasm, from which the intoxicating and inspiring exhalations issued, was guarded by this serpent, whom Apollo destroyed. The connexion of the serpent with wisdom and soothsaying is based on demonology (see MAGIC in vol. iii. pp. 209 (footnote), 210). Cf. Gn 3:1, Mt 10:16.

In the present passage it is clear that what is implied is that the girl was considered to be possessed of a soothsaying demon. In the language of the OT she would probably be called a בַּעֲלַת אוֹב (1 S 28:7). The word אוֹב, however, is employed by itself to convey this meaning, and is reproduced in the LXX by ἐγγαστρίμυθος (Lv 19:31; 20:6, 27). The Syriac version on Ac 16:16 renders by ܪܽܘܚܳܐ ܕܩܶܨܡܳܐ ‘soothsaying spirit’ (lit. ‘spirit of soothsaying’). See art. SOOTHSAYING; cf. also Necromancy under SORCERY.

Search for Sustenance

When pythons are on the lookout for their next meals, they rely on a combination of smell and vision. They never chase after their targets and instead simply opt to catch them off-guard. They lurk in a clandestine manner and when ready, swoop in on the unsuspecting prey. Pythons possess a convenient adaptation that enables them to detect the body heat of nearby prey, too -- pits that are situated around their jaws. These pits are handy for helping pythons more easily track down warm-blooded creatures amid less than ideal lighting conditions.

Constriction for Catching Prey

Once a python is near his desired prey, he rapidly uses his teeth to seize the animal. He then proceeds to coil his body around the prey, preventing breathing from continuing, and therefore triggering suffocation. This constriction promptly kills the animal. When the animal breathes out, the python's grip gets more and more severe. The squeezing action doesn't shatter the bones -- it just stops the breathing. Once the python no longer notices the prey animal's heartbeat, he finally removes his intense grasp -- time to eat. When he eats his prey, he swallows the lifeless body starting at the head. After he's through eating, he retreats to a warm and cozy place for the digestion process.

DISMANTLING A WALL OF PRAYER

Robert was the pastor of a growing charismatic church. A woman who had a strong “prophetic” anointing began attending his church. Within a few months, she rose to leadership over several churchwide prayer groups. Unfortunately, the woman began using these groups as a forum to promote her own agenda. Subtly, she began to inject critical venom about Robert. When he discovered what she was saying, he confronted her. But by then, she had widespread support, having spent hours on the telephone with many church members. The woman blackmailed Robert with a threat of tearing apart the church unless he acquiesced to her demands. Claiming he was a poor leader, the woman said she was forced “by the Lord” to take the actions she did. In their meeting, Robert became unusually confused and actually ended up agreeing with the woman. Eight years later when a similar situation occurred, Robert recognized what had happened to him. But by then, it was too late. His church, which had been declining, was now only a handful of people. Since the tactic of dismantling a wall of prayer is so successful, someone with a Jezebel spirit tends to infiltrate intercessory groups. This person will try to control the content and direction of prayer. It is only a matter of time before this person become the group’s leader. Jezebel spirits usually cause such events by pre-meditated efforts; sometimes the individual is unaware of how their power works. Whether it happens knowingly or unknowingly, however, the driving force is a demonic spirit. As the individual devises a takeover, it is not unusual for the current prayer leader to experience sudden or prolonged health problems or mental confusion. Eventually, the current leader will resign. The individual with a Jezebel spirit begins to counterfeit true prayer leadership. This takeover will be accomplished in such a manner that seems natural. Eventually, false humility and mock timidity will disappear. The individual will begin to declare rather brazenly that he or she knows the mind of God and how everyone should pray. When this happens, the energy given to prayer will seem to increase. Unsuspecting and undiscerning individuals will be tempted to think things are getting better. However, this energy will begin to dissipate. Remember, energy derived from soulish passion will always be short-lived. Only that which is born of the Spirit of God will be maintained by God’s Spirit and bear fruit that remains.

FALSE DREAMS AND VISIONS

When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart—

Proverbs 26:25–26 NLT

They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

Proverbs 26:25-

Proverbs 26:25 NLT

They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.

Tactics intended to frustrate the Kingdom of God will come easily to those operating with a Jezebel spirit. They seek recognition by trying to manipulate situations to their advantage. From deep within their soul, they will conjure up an unusual number of dreams and visions. They may also “borrow” dreams and revelations that God has given to others, presenting them as though God had given them the revelation. Or, they may enhance and embellish their own dreams to make them seem even more spectacular and impressive. Scripture offers an excellent perspective of God’s view on this matter. Therefore behold, I am against the prophets who steal My words every one from his neighbor…Behold, I am against the prophets who prophesy false dreams…and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness—.

CARRYING FALSE BURDENS

These individuals will carry false burdens from the Lord, hoping to appear spiritual. They may even believe they are speaking God’s words, unable to recognize the deception under which they are operating. Once such a person gains an open door to the pastor, it is not uncommon for Jezebel to flood him or her with “revelation” that has supposedly been received from the Lord. Every situation will be subtly manipulated to cast a favorable light on the individual operating with a Jezebel spirit, thus bringing attention to the schemer rather than to the Lord. As this spirit’s roots take deeper hold in the person’s soul, righteous and redemptive fruit eventually become non-existent.

APPEARING MORE SPIRITUAL

When an individual with a Jezebel spirit is put in a leadership position, he or she will try to create an impression of walking on a higher spiritual plane than most. Others may feel less spiritual or intimidated, when they are around this person. This ploy creates an emotional dependency in others. Feeling spiritually inferior, they will seek out the Jezebelite for spiritual guidance. Furthermore, if any question the Jezebelite’s spirituality, they may experience harassment.

New believers are especially prone to this kind of subtle, but nonetheless effective, intimidation. Some may choose to pull away from the person, but those who choose to stay will usually comply with the Jezebelite’s demands rather than face being ostracized. Once joined to this spirit, believers who are weak or easily intimidated will find it difficult to remove themselves from the grip of the Jezebelite.

ALSE HUMILITY The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them—. Once people with a Jezebel spirit receive recognition, they respond initially with false humility. This ploy will serve to further entrap you and convince you of their spirituality. However, this misleading meekness will be shortlived. False humility is actually a mask for deeply rooted pride and presumption. Once this false humility is discarded,

FALSE HUMILITY

The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them—.

Once people with a Jezebel spirit receive recognition, they respond initially with false humility. This ploy will serve to further entrap you and convince you of their spirituality. However, this misleading meekness will be shortlived. False humility is actually a mask for deeply rooted pride and presumption.

EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL

In leaving—or in threatening to leave the Jezebelite usually discredits the pastor and claims the pastor is not as spiritual as people had thought. The Jezebelite may also maintain, “I’m just concerned for the people.” At this point, emotional blackmail ensues. Since a Jezebel spirit now holds the key to the emotional balance of the church, the individual will be able to confidently hold the pastor hostage. The pastor then becomes captive to obey directions from a demonic spirit. When this happens, a pastor may sense a sudden “call by God” to leave and shepherd another congregation in another city. However, this situation will most likely recur until this pastor recognizes and admits to having an Ahab spirit and tolerating a Jezebel spirit. A similar fate awaits him or her at the new church. As long as these areas remain unhealed in the pastor’s life, Satan will continue to exploit him or her by bringing another Jezebelite. God’s severe mercy allows this tormentor to continually plague a pastor until he or she acknowledges, repents of, and finds healing from operating with an Ahab spirit.

Jackson, John Paul. Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit (Kindle Locations 833-841). Streams Ministries. Kindle Edition.

Jackson, John Paul. Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit (Kindle Locations 722-726). Streams Ministries. Kindle Edition.

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