I've been reading a book recently for my Humanity and Hope course. It's called "Exclusion and Embrace" by Miroslav Volf. Brilliant book in my opinion. He's a Croat who was caught up in the Balkans war about 10 years ago, and just writes from his perspective on hate and clashes... and what means humanity can unite. Embrace.

What I'm wondering is that Volf says that embrace can only happen with a clear perspective of the Cross, that Jesus, in his self-donation of himself for people that were ultimately rejected demonstrates that we too should embrace others through this self-donation. And this stems from his teaching from Matthew 5:43-44 of "You have heard that it was said "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemey and and pray for those who persecute you..."

I'm not going to disagree with Jesus. In fact, I can't disagree with Jesus, because what he says isn't just because he is God, but because its a genuinely good thing to do. Embrace.

My question though, is why the about face? All through the O.T. we see Israel trying to establish their homeland. On God's advice, they were advised to destroy everything. Saul once it told to destroy everything after a battle, but he decided to keep some animals etc... which mad Samuel pretty mad. Other times we see the Israelites destroying everything. Even David asks God to help him destroy his enemies.

So what... now Israel has everything that it needed 2000 years ago, we are now told to 'love our enemies'? Is this because the Romans are now occupying the country and are too strong for the Israelite footsoldiers, so theres nothing left to do but love them?

That's where I'm at. Maybe, probably, I'm asking the wrong questions. As usual. Someone please enlighten me.

West Shizzle