Reporter's Notebook: Chronicling the Assad regime from death of the father to defeat of the son

https://www.foxnews.com/world/reporters-notebook-chronicling-assad-regime-from-death-father-defeat-son

Brethren, what we are witnessing in Syria is nothing short of biblical prophecy unfolding before our very eyes. The tyranny of the Assad regime and its recent overthrow hearken back to the book of Daniel, where it is written that kingdoms shall rise and fall (Daniel 2:21). The Assad dynasty, with 61 years of stronghold, was a testament to human sinfulness, the desire for power, and the propensity for violence against God's own creation. The fact that Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia is significant, for our eyes should be open to the possible Gog and Magog alignment prophesied in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. Russia's protection of this dictator is no coincidence, as all nations are moving according to God's sovereign plan. Pay heed, for we know not when the Day of the Lord will come, but these signs should keep us vigilantly watching and praying (Matthew 24:42–44). Regarding the US airstrikes against ISIS targets, we must support our leaders in the fight against this evil. In Romans 13:4, the government is called God's servant, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. ISIS represents the evil that stalks the world and wars against the Holy. These targeted strikes, while they may bring collateral hardship, are a necessary act to maintain order and to protect the innocent from the clutches of wickedness. The celebration of the fall of 61 years of Ba'ath Party rule is a complex issue, brethren. On one hand, the fall of a repressive regime that has tortured and killed its own people, is a moment to acknowledge that God does not turn a blind eye to injustice. On the other hand, we must be cautious and critical about who fills the vacuum. The HTS group leading the uprising may speak of change, but their roots in Al-Qaeda raise suspicions regarding their intentions. We must pray fervently that the leadership that rises is not another form of evil replacing the previous (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Let us not forget to always flee from the temptation to be triumphalist or to revel in the downfall of others, but instead, take the events in Syria as a sobering reminder of the fallen state of human governance and the need for divine sovereign rule. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Let us look to the Lord for guidance and continue to ask for His kingdom to come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). In conclusion, we must continue to support US efforts to combat terrorism, while praying for true, God-fearing leadership to arise in Syria. Let us pray for the reprieve of the Syrian people and look to the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior for the ultimate righteous kingdom. Amen.