“For the statutes of Omri are kept …” (Micah 6:16, NKJV)
The process of mantle formation entails being correctly positioned in the kingdom of God, so that God can manifest his sovereignty in and through you. A way FOR HIM to anchor you within your spiritual authority WITHIN HIM is to expose you to your adversaries. In the case of Elijah there were two specific adversaries, Ahab and Jezebel, who were sent to oppose him so that he could learn to overcome. They are clearly people who think about that which is carnal, and not about the things of God and the spirit.
In the previous teaching we pointed out that Ahab walked in the ways of his father, Omri, that he followed his statutes. It was interesting to note the meaning of his name, and how this links to the idea that satan, as adversary, is interested in sifting your character. What exactly would this mean?
The section that precedes the pericope concerning Omri’s inheritance, is “a complaint against His people”, against Israel (Mic. 6:2). In his pertinent question to to Israel, God asks: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? The Lord’s voice cries to the city—
Wisdom shall see Your name: ‘Hear the rod! who has appointed it?’” (Micah 6:8-9).
This is almost a rhetorical question – despite the fact that God has made his goodness known to man, noting that He is only good, and that He only asks that you walk before him in integrity, Israel still chose not to do it. Why not? The goodness of God and his wonderful deeds were repeatedly demonstrated to them, there was no reason to doubt God’s bona fide promises.
Because of Israel’s persistent disobedience and stubbornness, Micah 6:11-15 makes clear what the legacy of sin (to miss your mark) in their lives will be: “Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. ‘Therefore I will also make you sick by striking you, by making you desolate because of your sins.You shall eat, but not be satisfied; hunger shall be in your midst. You may carry some away, but shall not save them; and what you do rescue I will give over to the sword. You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread the olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil; and make sweet wine, but not drink wine.’”
Take note of the last verse, especially: there will be no anointing, and there will be no new wine. In verse 16 this is referred to as the legacy of Omri: “For the statutes of Omri are kept; all the works of Ahab’s house are done; and you walk in their counsels, that I may make you a desolation, and your inhabitants a hissing. Therefore you shall bear the reproach of My people.” Those inequities have been carried over from Omri to Ahab, and long after. Typologically speaking, the spirit of Omri and Ahab oppose the spirit of Elijah.
- Selah: Do you understand what the meaning of “anointing” and “new wine” is?
- Read: Luke 8; Matt. 13.
- Memorise: Luke 8:21.
