Isaiah 46

“These things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts” (v1). “Bel” and “Nebo” (v1) were idols whose heavy carved images were carried by mules. Even made of gold, said Isaiah, “If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble” (v6). God didn’t want Israel to be burdened and crushed by false idols who demanded everything and offered nothing. Instead, He said, He was One who had carried them “from the womb” and was faithful (v3-5).

Pursuing our own security and happiness, apart from Jesus, ends with crushing burdens. Instead, we can trust the One who says: “I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (v4).