Loot

This is a weird word, but I knew it meant the spoils of war. It sometimes mean an informal wealth. The valuable stuff that was located in the Temple of the Lord became loot for the king of Babylon when he captured the city. It was quite a windfall of goods. These were the utensils, bowls, decorations that the Lord had instructed Solomon to make. This marked the end of an era for sure. Check this out…

 17 The Babylonians broke into pieces the bronze pillars, the bronze stands, and the large bronze bowl, called the Sea, which were in the Temple of the Lord. Then they carried all the bronze pieces to Babylon. 18 They also took the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, bowls, dishes, and all the bronze objects used to serve in the Temple. 19 The commander of the king’s special guards took away bowls, pans for carrying hot coals, large bowls, pots, lamp-stands, pans, and bowls used for drink offerings. He took everything that was made of pure gold or silver.

20 There was so much bronze that it could not be weighed: two pillars, the large bronze bowl called the Sea with the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands, which King Solomon had made for the Temple of the Lord. (Jeremiah 52:17-20 NCV)

There was so much rich history of the Lord’s people that was destroyed during the siege of Jerusalem. It really boiled down to disobedience.  God tolerated disobedience for a good while, but when He had had enough, it was over. The things that were valuable were the people using the utensils and fancy bowls and pans. The stuff was not what mattered to Him – it represented relationships.  I believe that God pursues me today because He wants a relationship with me. He made me, built me, and shapes who I am by His Presence in me.  When I’m gone from this earth, the money or wealth I’ve accumulated won’t matter to Him or me.

I will surrender all the material possessions I have as loot for others, but my heart is devoted to the Lord and it’s NOT negotiable!