Rip Van Winkle is a short story written by Washington Irving (1783-1859). It was first published in 1819. (I am telling you this to emphasize that there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9).

To me, Rip Van Winkle is a tragic tale about a man who went hunting high up in the mountains with his dog. He met strange little men who were playing “nine-pins” (a lot like bowling) and drinking strong liquor. Rip began drinking this liquor and soon fell asleep. He remained asleep for 20 years and on awakening discovered that the world and the life he knew was gone, forever changed (trust me you have to read this story for yourself to fully appreciate what I am saying). The tragedy was that this long, deep sleep did not begin with the events he encountered in the mountains. No, Rip Van Winkles life was one of a sluggard’s life (Proverbs (NIV) 6:6-11; 19:24; 20:4; 21:25,26; 22:13; 24:30-34; 26:13-16) that lead to and culminated high up in the mountains. The most tragic part was that he learned nothing from this traumatic ordeal, continuing to exist as he had before.

My point is:

We have this life, this one life on this earth. When this time on earth ends, we will either live in the eternal presence of God in heaven or live in eternal damnation, separated from God, in hell.

Life is but a breath. Psalm 39:4,5; 62:5-12; 103:3-18.

We have this one life on this earth. Let us not squander it. Luke 15:11-32.

Obey the Lord. Matthew 21:28-32.

Do not bury, in the ground, what God has given you. Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27.

Do not reject the Lord or His representatives or His Son (Jesus). Matthew 21:33-44; Mark 12:1-11.

Be careful how you build upon the foundation that is Jesus. 1 Corinthians 3 (key vs. 10-15).

Mind your own business, do your work and love your brothers and sisters-Christ. Matthew 20:1-16; 1Thessalonians 4:9-12

Understand what true repentance is. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10.

Appreciate God’s timing and the purpose of it. 2Peter 3:8-18.

I leave you with two scripture passages that are near and dear to my heart: 1 Timothy 3:14-16; John15:15-26.