Be Like A Raisin

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

February 28, 2023

Why would you want to be like a wrinkled raisin?

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJ)

These are the words the Lord spoke to Samuel after he had arrived at the house of Jesse, where he had gone, following God’s word to him, in order to anoint the next king of Israel.

When Samuel first entered and saw Jesse’s son, Eliab, He thought, “surely the Lord’s anointed is before him” (1 Samuel 16: 7), which provoked God to speak these words about how He sees things differently, from the heart.

Jesse proceeded to show off seven sons to Samuel, and none of these were God’s anointed. Jesse obviously thought his youngest son, David, was so out of the running to be God’s anointed that he had left him out in the field tending sheep.

How was Jesse to realize that, in God’s eyes, He would much prefer a humble young tender of sheep any day over a proud and cocky string of seven sons?

Neither Samuel nor Jesse understood what God was truly looking for in His anointed.

Some might think they are prefect human beings…none are.

Each of us has talents and personalities unique to us. We are expected to use them in a way which makes life better than we found it.  We should want to be freshly baked bread instead of week old moldy bread for those around us.

Those around us will judge us in the moment. If we are having a bad moment even if we’ve done everything else right, it is the screenshot in time for which we will be remembered.  For some people we will be the only Bible some people will read.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13 (NKJ)

Like other dried fruits, raisins are very sweet. They have a sticky consistency and because they were once grapes, the inside of raisins can be quite moist. Raisins that have become overdry can have a gritty texture.

Raisins can be revitalized and be re-moisturized if they dry out.

Raisins are dried grapes. The drying process concentrates both the nutrients and sugars present in grapes, making raisins nutrient-dense and calorie-dense.

Raisins originated in the Middle East before making their way to Europe, where they were especially popular among the Greeks and Romans.

Historically, raisins were used as currency, as awards in sporting events, and to treat ailments like food poisoning.

Raisins, sultanas, and currants have similar nutritional qualities. All are rich in antioxidants – substances that help your cells fight harmful molecules called free radicals. And they’re all good sources of:

•        Iron

•        Potassium

•        Copper

•        Vitamin B6

•        Manganese

Raisins also contain boron. This mineral helps maintain good bone and joint health, can improve wound healing, and may improve cognitive performance.

We, like raisins and fresh bread, are to be a good aroma to the world around us. Like raisins we can provide good nutritional qualities to those around us. We may get a few wrinkles on the outside and still retain the goodness on the inside.  We can stand alone in a crowd when needed and be the salt and light. We should be part of the solution in this world which some are trying to devolve into chaos.

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ)  www.narrowpathministries.org    and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org