Hello,
On Friday 13 June 2025 Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’, a surprise attack that wiped out Iran’s senior military leadership and damaged nuclear sites. Iran has vowed to ‘open the gates of hell’ in retaliation, and war has been raging throughout the week. Long ago, the psalmist gave a message that seems so relevant today, ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122:6 NIVUK), and I can’t help but think of Jesus looking over Jerusalem and weeping at what would befall the city (Luke 19:41).
I am reminded of another time of weeping, this time in heaven. The scroll, making sense of world history, is sealed, no one could be found to open it, and the writer of the book of Revelation wept (Revelation 5:1-4). Then, one of the elders said to John, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ (v.5). But incredibly, as John turned round, he didn’t see a lion rising up, rather he saw ‘a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain’ (v.6). This Lamb, picturing Jesus Christ, is worthy to make sense of the world and provide lasting peace and safety because he was slain for humanity’s sins and is now the risen Lord (vv.9,12-13).
As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, he said ‘If you…had only known on this day what would bring you peace…’ (Luke 19:42). Christians know the answer because the scroll has been opened. So, as we pray for Jerusalem, and weep over what is happening, let’s also pray that Israelis and Iranians will come to know Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
In Christian love,
Barry Robinson
About the Writer:
Barry Robinson is the Deputy National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK & Ireland