Sin Leaves a Mark

Like charred wood scarred by fire, sin leaves a mark—yet God offers cleansing and restoration to those who repent and return to Him.

“If … fire has consumed both of its ends and its middle part has been charred, is it then good for anything? … How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it still be made into anything!”—Ezekiel 15:4–5 NASB

God described a piece of wood that had been burned at both ends. Because the middle had been charred but not consumed, it might have still seemed useable. But, in reality, it could not be “made into anything.”

This was a vivid picture of God’s people. They had sinned and been unfaithful and disobedient. As a result, they had experienced judgment. Yet some looked at their lives just like that charred piece of wood, convinced that nothing had really changed, when, in fact, everything had. They had “come out of the fire” (v. 7), but they were scarred by sin.

The day was coming when the fire would “consume them” (v. 7). They would face God and give an account of their lives. Because of their sins, He would “make the land desolate” (v. 8)—unless they repented and turned back to Him.

Many today are like the people of Ezekiel’s time—seeking worldly pleasures, indulging in sin, assuming that nothing will change, forgetting that God is holy and that we always pay a price for sin.

Examine your life. Allow God to search your heart and convict you of sin. The Bible asks, “Can anyone take fire in his lap and his clothes not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27). Remember that if you allow your life to be polluted by sin and the world, you will pay a price. Repent and follow God’s ways.

Reflection Question: What part of your life needs God’s refining fire and healing touch?