In spite of Babylon's great power, her gods, Bel and Nebo, were nothing but worthless idols that had to be carried by people or animals. They could not save anyone. They were burdens put on overloaded donkeys. They exhausted people and solved nothing. We pursue what we covet and what we pursue most passionately becomes our god. But idols cannot save us nor answer our prayers. Success, power, money, romantic love mayruin us or add to our burden. Only God our Creator can unburden us by carrying our burdens. He sustains us through life with his unchangeable love. Our God is a burden carrier (53:4,11; Ps 68:19).

The people of Israel forgot what God did for them as well as who God is. God predicts the future, makes promises, and carries out his plans. He is the true God and the only God. As predicted, God raised Cyrus to fulfill his purpose to bring his people out of Babylonian captivity. The Israelites were far from God's righteousness, but God would save them from captivity by his sovereign grace. No one can obtain God's righteousness by their own works. It is to be received through faith in God's Messiah, Jesus Christ. It is purely the grace of God.


Application: Lord, thank you for caring for me and sustaining me with your unfailing love and for taking away my burden of sin by your grace. Cleanse me of all idolatry so that I may worship you and serve you only.
One Word: My burdens are lifted at Calvary