Solomon is inspired by God, to write about “wining souls”, “A true witness delivers souls…” (Prov. 14:25) “…he who wins souls is wise…” (Prov. 11:30) If we understand what “wins” means the rest of the verse unfolds naturally. the Hebrew word translated “wins” is “laqach.” It means “to bring in,” to “draw in,” to “receive.” Jesus tells us, “…you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour YOU DO NOT EXPECT.” (Luke 12:40)
Jesus taught us, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When ITS BRANCH HAS ALREADY BECOME TENDER and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION WILL BY NO MEANS PASS AWAY TILL ALL THESE THINGS TAKE PLACE.” (Matt. 24:32-34) Jesus had just finished teaching about the end of all things, (the tribulation) to His Jewish followers because they will have to go through it. Then He uses the fig tree to symbolize Israel miraculously becoming a nation again, for the second time. Israel was re-born as a modern nation – an independent and self-ruled Jewish country. Most remarkable, Isaiah, saw it 2500 years ago – precise to the year! On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on THE SAME DAY. “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, She delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to GIVE BIRTH IN ONE DAY? Or shall a nation be BORN AT ONCE?” (Isa. 66:7-8)
So, May 14, 1948, “THIS GENERATION will by no means pass away till all these things take place” the psalmist said, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years…” (Psa. 90:10) (Our average lifespan was 78.9 years in 2014.) we can see that the end is pretty close, so, Jesus said, “…you also be ready…”
-Bill Stockham