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"Their goods shall become booty"

Text: Zephaniah 1:13

WHERE WEALTH BECOMES A DANGER

It is the Lord God who promised that He would bless His people. The children of Israel were once slaves in the land of Egypt. But because of the grace and the blessing of God, the nation of Israel had become strong and wealthy. It was at that point of time, that the wealth of the nation caused them to stumble!

“Therefore their goods shall become booty,
And their houses a desolation;
They shall build houses, but not inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards, but not drink their wine.”
Zephaniah 1:13

1. Features of wealth

a) When people have many “goods”:

i) Treasures

ii) Money and items of luxury

b) Invaders would be drawn to attack them.

i) To conquer the prosperous nation.

ii) To gain possession of their “booty” (treasures).

c) Real estate

i) Purchase of land.

ii) Building of houses on the land purchased.

d) Investments

i) In the purchase of vineyards.

ii) In the hope of acquiring even greater wealth.

2. The Lord’s judgment forewarned

a) That invaders would come and attack the land and take away their treasures as “booty”.

b) Their houses would belong to the conquerors.

c) Their vineyards would only benefit their enemies!

THE FOLLY OF LEAVING GOD OUT

Great was the folly of the nation of Judah when they left God out!

1. They would lose His favour.

2. They would lose His protection.

3. They would invite His Divine wrath and judgment.

4. They would end up with total desolation! What a price to pay to indulge in a sinful mindset and lifestyle!