Lesson 200: Fleecing the Flock

Army of Tennessee Chaplain David Chaltas

Fleecing of the Flock

There were once two sheepdogs that were charged by the master to guard the flock. They did so and became so accustomed to their routine that they knew each and every step over their territory. One day the master brought in another sheepdog to watch the flock. He was an older sheepdog but well trained in guarding the sheep. In fact he had been trained by one of the finest sheepherders in the land and had won ribbons for his devotion, while the other dogs had learned while on the hillside. They never ventured further than their perimeter. Now the two sheepdogs had become used to their territory, were closed minded to new ideas, and resented the thoughts of an older dog coming among the sheep with new ways. They would growl when the older dog walked too close to their territory and were offended by anything other than their accustomed routines. They loathed the older dog whose sole purpose was to guard the sheep.

The older sheep dog stayed alert and would bark at the least intrusion. The two would ‘growl’ their disapproval while they lay on their sides resting. Finally decided they had to do something about the old sheepdog. They plotted and decided the next time he would walk close to the bottom of the hill, they would attack him. After all, no wolves had been around in the longest time and the sheep would be fine. The day came when the old dog had been up all night guarding the flock while the two lazy sheepdogs slept. As he walked down the hill to his corner, the biggest dog jumped him and right on the heels of the oldest dog the other sheepdog attacked. At the sound of the fight, the sheep became frightened and ran up into the woods.

The noise of the fighting did not go unnoticed. For the wolves had always been in the confines of the forest waiting upon their chance to attack the sheep. All four wolves attacked in unison, and sheep after sheep fell. The old sheepdog saw what was happening and begged his brothers to stop the relentless fight, unite with him and charge the wolves. But their jealousy blinded them. They continued their vicious attack until the life blood of the old dog flowed upon the ground.

Satisfied that the intruder would never bother them again, they went back to the posts only to find the sheep scattered, several dead upon the ground, and some obviously dragged into the woods. Upon the arrival of the master, he realized that the only sheepdog who had tried to fight off the attack of the wolves was the old dog. He must have given his life for the sheep, as evidenced by his mangled body. The master was so infuriated by the two who had not one scratch upon them that he sold them into bondage after purchasing the descendants of the faithful sheepdog.

My friends, have you ever been envious of someone to the point that you attacked every move and critiqued everything another person did? Have you ever forgotten your commission to love one another as yourself? In Matthew 22: 37-39, the Bible teaches us that, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'." John 13:34-35 teaches us Christ’s message to us; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Please note that this is the only place that Christ uses the word commandment in regards to something He stated. Please note the location where He said it. He said it at the Last Supper. Please note who He was speaking to. Christ was speaking to His disciplines and they represent the church. He, in actuality, was speaking to you and me. THIS was/is the Biblical message to the church; to love one another. And lastly but not least, please note that among the sheepdogs, a wolf was present. Judas Iscariot was sitting there with full intentions of betraying Christ. And indeed he betrayed the Son of man, the Son of God with a kiss.

Are you truly God’s disciple? Do your actions show discipleship? As chaplains we have a sacred duty to maintain. Examples abound from the Bible as well as throughout history. Look a the life work of some of those who have gone before us: Charles Quintard, Dubose, J.W. Jones, William Lacy, R. A. Burle, A. A. Watson, and the Rev. Major Dabney. What do their lives reflect? How did General Polk, General Pendleton, General Stuart, and General Jackson handle the wolves of the world? They all prayed and stood their ground. They followed their sacred principles and embraced Christ's teaching, as demonstrated by General Lee after speaking to a former union soldier, “We must not hold that against him.”

My deepest desire is that everyone take off the cloak of envy, lust, worldliness and take up the cross of Christ; following close in His footsteps WITH the understanding that in order to do so, we must humble ourselves, seek forgiveness of others early, and NEVER be a stumbling block to others salvation. Brothers and sisters: God will not be mocked. The master will come and cast away those servants he never knew (Matthew 7: 23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity) while allowing the good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23-His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.) to enter into His kingdom. This day, and every day, let us resolve to follow Christ, accepting Joshua’s words as our own: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Seeking the deliverance of the flock by being a good sheepdog, I am humbled to serve as The Old General/Army of Tennessee Chaplain

With Sacred Principles to Maintain, I remain humbled to serve as The Old General