The
prophet Isaiah draws a picture for us in Isaiah 46 of the siege of Babylon and
the evacuation of its idols. The carts and carriages that carry them creak, and
the weary animals groan under the load (v.1).
In
contrast, Isaiah says that God carries His children from birth (v.3). “Even to
your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!” God declares
(v.4). The contrast is precise and vivid in the Hebrew text: The carts and
carriages are “loaded” with the weight of the idols (v.1), but we are loaded
upon God (v.3). Idols are a “burden,” a thing carried (v.1), but God has gladly
“carried” us from the womb (v.3).
The Lord
has made us (v.4). Nothing could be more comforting, for our Father loves and
cares for His children. He promises, “I will carry you!” and that includes
every care and worry that comes our way throughout our lifetime.
So we may
let Him carry us and our every burden. This song by Annie Johnson Flint
challenges us to experience God’s care: “Fear not that thy need shall exceed
His provision, / Our God ever yearns His resources to share; / Lean hard on the
arm everlasting, availing; / Thy Father both thee and thy load will upbear.”
Our work
is to cast care; God’s work is to take care! (RBC)
