Psalm 31:1-3a

My Shepherd met me in His green pastures and laid me down in 1 Corinthians 16; the Mind of the Spirit engaged the spirit of my mind with the phrase, or its like, “unto such”:

1Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

1Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

The word translated such speaks of persons distinguished by similar character or characteristics. The Spirit through Paul encourages us to those who share qualities in common with the family of Stephanus, who help the ministry and support it, serving with God’s appointed leadership and join them in as labourers with God (Matthew 9:38; 1 Corinthians 3:9; in service —Philippians 2:22; in labour —Philippians 4:3; in prayers —Romans 15:30; in journeys —1 Corinthians 16:4, 9:4; endure —2 Corinthians 11:1, and 2 Timothy 4:16; in rejoicing —Philippians 2:18; and in giving —Philippians 4:15).

Paul uses another closely related word, speaking of another kind of persons: who practice immorality, who are ever learning and never come to truth, who “resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Timothy 3:6-8). Of such we ought not to follow, nor submit.

Along the still waters, I reflected on an old maxim: birds of a feather flock together. The earliest record of its use is found in The Rescuing of the Romish Fox, by William Turner, in 1545. The fox was an Episcopalian minister who subversively held Papist sympathies. He called those who openly professed allegiance to the “Papal throne” wolves. Turner sorted out the birds by their feathers.

I examined my own feathers and can not find any that belong to heretics, and comfortably I continue with the sort with whom Paul kept company. I know it’s considered bad style to mix our metaphors, but I think in this case I will: foxes creep into our fellowship, undermining the ministry of the saints, secretly in service to wolves whose design is to devour Christ’s sheep.

Selah!

In the valley, I knelt before the Good Shepherd and submitted to the washing of water by His word (Ephesians 5:26), for even a good bird gets dirt on its feathers when traversing this world in service to the King (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 1:7-9).

As He finished washing, He spoke His daily orders: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Praying for revival! 🙏