There once was a man who fell into a very deep slumber, so deep his servants were unable to awaken him. Despite all their efforts, he failed to awaken. Fearing him dead, some departed, but his most faithful servants remained to protect and defend their home.
Day after day and night after night, they fought to fend off the relentless attacks upon their master’s home. Nearly overcome, they went to their master once more.
“Master, master! Please awaken! We are unable to hold out much longer!”
At last, the master heard their cries and opened his eyes.
“Why do you wail and weep?” he asked. “I have gone nowhere.”
“We are about to be devoured by the beast!” they cried. “Help us, Master, to defend your home.”
The master sat up and rose from the bed. Seeing his faithful servants fall to their knees in gratitude, he felt moved to compassion and pity.
“Rush to the front door,” he commanded, “where you will find reinforcements.”
“Yes, Master,” they got up to do his bidding.
“But take care not to leave the back door unguarded,” he warned.
They stopped, questioning, “Are there not enough reinforcements for both doors, Master?”
“You decide who goes where and what you want them to do. I have provided enough help to serve my purpose. Have you learned nothing from me?” They remained silent. “Who among you understands the enemy? Who among you sees what I have shown?”
One of his servants stepped forward.
“I do,” he answered. “I have,” he declared.
“Then what will you do?” the master asked this servant.
“I will guard the rear,” he replied, “for I am the shepherd’s sheepdog.”
“Then go,” said the master. “And do what I have taught you to do.” As the servant prepared to depart, the master called to him, “Protect my sheep!”
“I must go,” said the servant, “for the wolf is at the door.”
