The prophet Elijah spoke judgment against Ahab and Jezebel. They would both die, and the dogs would take care of what remained. Ahab died about three years before Jezebel. Her death was as gruesome as prophesied. 2 Kings 9 tells this story.
I assume she knew what was coming. But she didn't run away or even ask for mercy. She stood at her window after "she painted her eyes and adorned her head." She glared outside and called out to her accuser, not as a victim, but as a queen. It was a final performance. A defiant, composed image she chose to show everyone.
And then she fell.
As I'm reflecting on that story today, I keep thinking about that image: Jezebel fixing herself up. It’s so like us. When things fall apart, we reach for whatever helps us feel in control. We can't help it. For some of us it might be makeup, a sharp outfit, the perfect social media post or even religious language. But it’s all a mask. It helps us look composed on the outside without actually being made whole.
This isn’t faith. That's managing an image. Some might call it "playing church."
But God isn't asking us to put on a show. None of us need more performances. We need God's presence. We need a Savior who meets us with grace when we’re undone. And the good news is that's exactly who Jesus is. 
Real faith brings everything to the table. Your doubts, failures, all of it belongs, no matter how messed up you think you are. Because that's the point.
Over time, though, we start covering things up again. We get used to merely looking the part. But God never asks us to dress up our brokenness or put makeup over our imperfections.
Rather, when we bring our whole, undone, weary self, the Spirit meets us there and dresses us up in grace.
Stay blessed...john | 
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