Let us Pray for Syria

A recent headline in an Associated Press article on December 8, 2024 read…

“Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family”

This 50 year remark caught my attention, because it would mark a Jubilee period as taught in the Bible.

Remember:

• Damascus (capital of Syria) is significant in the New Testament as the place where Saul (later Paul) encountered Jesus and was converted to Christianity (Acts 9:1-9). This event is pivotal in Christian history.

• Paul’s Ministry in Syria

  After his conversion, Paul spent time in Damascus and later in the regions of Syria and Cilicia as part of his ministry (Galatians 1:21; Acts 15:23).

Regarding the recent events in Syria, I think of this verse in Daniel.

Daniel 2:21
"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."

The Syrian government under President Bashar Assad has fallen after a rapid rebel offensive that advanced across government-held territory and entered Damascus within 10 days. The overthrow ends the Assad family's 50-year rule. A statement broadcast on Syrian state television announced the president’s ouster and the release of detainees, while reports suggest Assad fled the country [Some reports have him and his family fleeting to Russia.]

Key events include:

Rapid Rebel Offensive: Led by the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), rebels seized major cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, culminating in Damascus.

Celebrations and Chaos: Crowds in Damascus celebrated the regime's fall, with scenes of looting, abandoned military posts, and liberation of political prisoners.

Government Collapse: Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali offered to transition power to the opposition. Reports indicate Assad fled, but his whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

International Reactions: The U.N. called for urgent talks on a political transition, while countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran discussed the crisis at the Doha Forum. The U.S. expressed no intention to intervene militarily.

The situation marks a dramatic shift in Syria's 13-year conflict, with hopes for a political resolution but uncertainty about the country’s future amidst ongoing instability and the rebels' controversial leadership.

Let us take advantage of this open door and pray for Syria as it tries to work out its future. It would be so nice to have some leadership in Syria that would work toward peace with Israel and the world.