What Does the Bible Foretell about Syria?

Does the Bible have something to say about Damascus, the capital of Syria?  As our attention has been focused on the Syrian crisis over the past several weeks an interesting discussion has arisen about some passages in the Bible that seem to prophesy that Damascus will eventually suffer total destruction (Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49). 

Never Give Up

Those words were immortalized by Winston Churchill through his bulldogged, determined resistance to the relentless forces of Adolph Hitler during World War II.  Yet, long before Churchill, the Scriptures have admonished us to persevere in our faith, another word for “never give up”.

Do you see what has happened since we began praying for the Syrian crisis?  God has answered.  He has averted, at least for now, what could have been the beginning of a major Middle East war and prevented the killing of even more people in Syria through what we euphemistically call “collateral damage” from an America attack.  

Keep Praying

This week I’m privileged to be spending most of the time with family and have kept this post brief but not because I think the message is any less important…

While we’re remembering to pray earnestly for wisdom for our nation’s leaders regarding the present crisis over Syria, there remains another deep concern for that area.  And that is for the people who have been and will continue to be affected.  Not only the tragic loss of life of more than 100,000 in civil war, but also the displacement of more than 5 million people.  Among these are many believers who especially need our prayers that the love of Christ will shine through them even as they endure untold misery, duress and bereavement.

A Time For Fervent Prayer

We might be on the brink of another war.  The Middle East is such a complex situation that no one seems to have a clear understanding of all that is going on or what to do.  If you listen to any news at all, you hear a wide range of assessments of the crisis in Syria and confusion about which option is the best.  There are many players with many interests.  Like in a stack of dry straw, one small spark could set the whole area ablaze.