Scriptures: 1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 9:30–37
Reflection Song: “You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
What Had Happened Was…(the modern summary)
So Boom…(the revelation)
A common denominator across some of the best leaders is their ability to adapt, influence, and show resilience in the midst of adversity. While these skill sets can be used to create positive change, they can also be weaponized to others’ detriment when misused. Jezebel displayed adaptability by identifying a problem and finding a way around it. She used her influence to instruct the elders and leaders of the city to do her bidding. Lastly, she showed resilience throughout the entire process, refusing to let Naboth’s rejection stop her persistence in achieving her end goal of securing the vineyard. Here, we see that her resilience extended beyond Naboth’s death as she didn’t pay for her decision until more than 14 years later when Jehu sent her eunuchs to throw her out of a window. The horses trampled her body, and the dogs ate what remained, leaving nothing but bones and fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
In this story, we see a woman in power who had the stomach for leadership, but lacked the heart for it. While all of our gifts come from God, not all are used to edify His kingdom, as seen in Jezebel. One poor decision in leadership impacted not only Jezebel, but also her husband and their sons. Even with King Ahab’s repentance, he still faced God’s judgment, showing that God not only expects more from those in leadership, but also holds us accountable for our actions. Repentance does not absolve us from correction or consequence. It is in correction that we learn God’s character and gain lessons on how to move with integrity.
QTNA (Questions That Need Answers)
- Take a moment to reflect on the gifts God has blessed you with. How are you using those gifts to serve in the kingdom, whether that’s on a Dream Team or in your community outside the church? If you aren’t currently using them, what steps can you take to start using your gifts for God moving forward?
- Scripture Recharge: “Each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
- This story reminds us that unchecked envy can quickly catapult into dangerous territory. How can we practice contentment when feelings of comparison or coveting start to rise up?
- Scripture Recharge: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:11–12, ESV)
- Repentance can be hard when we are torn between what we know is wrong and what we feel in the moment. Share a time when you struggled to repent even though you knew you were in the wrong. What helped you work through that moment?
- Scripture Recharge: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, ESV)
- Correction is not easy, but it is necessary. When God has corrected you, what did you learn about yourself and about His character through that experience?
- Scripture Recharge: “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:10–11, ESV)
- Even though King Ahab got what he wanted, it was not from God. What’s for you is for you, and what isn’t, isn’t. Can you think of a time when you stepped outside of God’s plan to get something on your own? What made it hard to wait on Him, and did that experience change how you see God as a provider?
- Scripture Recharge: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, ESV)
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