Thoughts on The Use of Chemical Weapons

Both Russia and Syria signed the Geneva Protocol that prohibited the use of chemical weapons.  This protocol began after the terror of chemical weapon use in World War I.   My grandfather was sprayed with mustard gas in France by the Germans in that war.  Syria was caught using Sarin gas 8/21/13 and four other attacks.  The UN confirmed the use.  The UN pointed to the government that had the weapons stockpiled, and that these were used against the rebels fighting the government.   The United States congress authorized the use of force in response to the use of chemical weapons in response.  The government drew a famous "red line in the sand" to stop the use, but did not follow through.  The Syrian government used weapons again December 2016 and precipitated a tomahawk missile attack in response by the US (a single site attack).  This morning the United States fired about 100 missiles into Syria in response to chemical weapons again, risking tensions with Russia who has troops in Syria and is allied with Syria.  The United States has 2,000 troops in the eastern half of Syria.

"They must turn from evil and do good.  They must seek peace and pursue it."  (1 Peter 3:11; Ps. 34:14).

Thoughts: It is sad that a nation feels they can use chemical weapons on their own people.  Saddam Hussein did this in Iraq and this fueled the second Iraq War by the US.  The United States cannot be the policeman of the world.  Yet, if the Syrian government were to use chemical weapons and go unpunished then they could use the weapons against Israel or US troops and feel no one will blink an eye.  Or Iran or Russia could be empowered to use chemical weapons too.
     There are those who think Christians should not care about the world.  But that is not what the Bible says.  The Jews cared only for their nation.  But both before and after his resurrection Jesus encouraged the disciples to care for the people in all nations.  Chemical weapons are considered weapons of mass destruction (in the class as nuclear weapons).  We should be in prayer for our leaders and also pray that the use of chemical and nuclear weapons to not be used again.

Prayer: Lord, we need your mercy.  Protect our world from evil, and evil we would bring on ourselves.  Give wisdom to our leaders.  Lord, there is not much we can do, but you can do all things.  We pray for the people of Syria as they face regular terror and hardships.

https://www.pcusa.org/news/2017/4/11/pcusa-co-moderator-requests-prayer-syria-urges-con/