This is the chapter that refutes the ubiquitous notion that 'Christians' must proselytize the world. Nowhere is anyone, other than the twelve Apostles, (the original eleven and Paul), commanded to go forth, and evangelize. As post-Pentecostal Gentiles, (or Jews, even), we are not able to 'change' someone's will, or heart. To anyone who has undertaken to attempt this, this is an incontrovertible truth: we each are responsible for our own selves and our own decisions about where we will spend eternity. Yes, we are called to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have, but, someone must first ask the question! Without that question, what need is there for an answer? That means: someone must first be curious, or rather, 'hungry', for something they know they lack! But it in no wise means we can 'force' or compel anyone to turn from their idols, from their 'religion', and adopt ours; nor to believe what we tell them to believe. It has to be a hunger, deep within each person, to truly know the Creator. Much the same way Christ could no more change the hearts and minds of the religious leaders of his day, we can't argue or convince anyone today to see the truth we see. Inherent in 'giving the answer for our hope, is the acknowledgement that we are speaking about our reasons; while we all share the 'human' experience, the reasons differ, one to another. The overwhelming reality is that we all need GOD. We all must have hope. So, as believers who profess to know God, and are known by God, we are urged and exhorted to admonish those who claim to know truth, but who exhibit wrong actions; not because we say 'such and such' is wrong, but because either the Word says so, explicitly, or because the actions contradict what they say they believe. The Truth is not about us; it is about HIM and HIS will. We are not His spokesperson. We are to be living sacrifices to His will, to the Truth, to His commandments, i.e. witnesses of the Grace, Mercy, Salvation, and promises, in His Word.
Ezekiel was commanded to admonish the nation, saying, this is "the Word of the Lord"; he was not told to force them to change. Ironically, not even God could force them to change, even though he gave them reason to, time and again. Imposed obedience is not obedience, voluntary obedience is. As with the nation during Ezekiel's time, each one must choose for themselves, who they will serve.
For a link to today's morning study in Ezek. 3; 5/8/11 am study
