You have heard that it was said, 'Love your
neighbor
and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies. – Jesus of
Nazareth
In the West everyone speaks about love, love, we all
gotta love, but when it comes to showing the kind of love that got the prophet
killed, few seem much interested. – Ted Dekker
Join New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker
and Middle East relations expert Carl Medearis as they chronicle their journey
through the Middle East on a quest to ask our perceived enemies some personal
questions. What makes you laugh? When did
you cry last? What do you think about Jesus’ statement that one should love his
enemies? From a taxi driver to the Hezbollah to a couple of Osama Bin Laden’s
brothers, Dekker and Medearis strip away the stereotype of the nameless,
faceless identity all too easily called an enemy to reveal real people who
laugh and cry, have hopes and dreams, and tuck their children into bed at
night.
With transcripts taken directly from Dekker’s tape
recorder, Tea With Hezbollah recounts word for word their interviews with
figures nearly impossible to interview. And what they have to say will surprise
you. This is a groundbreaking book that explores the issues in the Middle East with
a unique take that could not have been conceived, let alone achieved, by any
others. Hearts and minds will be changed as through the story, the point is
made very clear. When it comes to loving one’s enemy, nobody does it awfully
well, be they Christians, Jews, or Muslims. To really love one’s enemy we have
to understand their perspective, think from their view, and walk in their shoes…We
must make ourselves more like Jesus, who not only preached a gospel of Love,
but while we were yet his enemies, loved us enough to die in order to save us.
Tea
With Hezbollah, is, in two words, absolutely
outstanding. I have no doubts that many will hate this book because of the
message it is trying to share. Love terrorists? But the message doesn’t come
from these two authors. They’ve just picked up on it from the one named Jesus.
Dekker and Medearis have gone where few men would
dare go, and yet come back preaching a message of Love. Get this book. You will
not disappointed.
2 comments:
Having not read the book, I can't comment on it. As a Christian (kind of with a prophet mentality :-s ), I can say there is also a great deal of talk about "love" without the balance/accountability factor. Jesus took the Pharisees to task in His addresses to them. He didn't tiptoe around their feelings, their backgrounds, their excuses for their arrogance concerning life and the Scriptures. He still loved them, but He called them to step away from their religion and know God. If they didn't . . . Woe to them.
I understand the personal approach to an "enemy", but if anyone goes expecting a utopia with enemies here on earth, shame on 'em. However, if they go expecting God to act in His mighty power, however that might be, more power to them.
The message was and will always be until the end of life as we know it: "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near."
Well put Nicole.
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