God ‘ s people (Ezekiel 14-16)

It's a small phrase, but it's still worth mentioning: "my people."  Throughout Israel's rebellion, they never stopped being God's people.  He redeemed them from slavery, and He brought them into the land of promise.  He removed them from the dictatorship of Pharaoh and blessed them with freedom.  Even still, they turned from Him and chose their own direction.  But did that suddenly make them not God's people?  Absolutely not.  Just as a parent who has a rebellious child does not just disown him or her, our heavenly Father did not disown Israel in the midst of her rebellion.  Isn't that an encouragement to you?  It is to me because I'm not perfect.  I mess up.  I do the wrong thing sometimes.  Thankfully, I am still God's child because I am trusting in Christ for my salvation.  My flawed efforts do not play any role in my reconciliation with God because I was redeemed by Christ.  Praise His Name!