December 17 – Isaiah 41: 21-31

Open-faced Sandwich

Is the "sandwich method" a familiar concept? To influence someone's behavior/performance, take the time to think of a positive aspect of the person's behavior you can start the conversation with. When a person hears reinforcing words, they become more receptive to your "constructive comments." By highlighting behavior/performance you appreciate about that person, both before and after, your request doesn't sound unreasonable ~ you have "sandwiched" your request between two positive thoughts, and you have a higher chance of attaining your desired results. (Good news - bad news - good news.)

This passage from Isaiah seems more like an open-faced sandwich - no compliment to begin with, just admonishment to the people who were honoring false gods. And that continues through verses 28. The "bull horn" in verse 21 says, "Yo, People!" Where are your manners? Didn't we teach you better than this? God is God, and we are not! No other "gods" are real. Look around ~ did you create the stars or planets? God is creator, ruler and judge of all ~ he allows earthly rulers to lead in earthly matters, but he is supreme in all matters.

God has given us a little corner of the universe to take care of. We've messed it up and now we're exhausted! That's the bad news.

We wait until verses 29 and 31 to hear the "bottom part of the sandwich" (the good news). We hear the reassurance that if we open up and listen to God and focus our attention in the direction of his lead, God will share his unending energy and strength to do His will. It can't be that easy or we'd already be doing it. But Isaiah tells us it's that simple. As one of our final preparations for the birth of our Lord, let us resolve to fall into our creator's loving arms, and then allow his hands to guide us in the direction he would like us to go. Let the good news of God's "energizer bunny-like" energy flow through us, giving us resolve and strength to do His will.

by Susan Meier