*“What You Honor in Rebellion Becomes a Witness Against You”*
> “They shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved… and whom they have worshipped.” — Book of Jeremiah 8:2 (KJV)
*Read: Jeremiah Chapter 8*
The very sun, moon, and stars that Judah honored in idolatry would stand as silent witnesses against them. What men loved instead of God in their life would not protect them in judgment. What they serve would not save them. Their misplaced devotion will became evidence of their betrayal.
This chapter reveals a sobering spiritual law: whatever we exalt above God eventually exposes us. Judah chose created things over the Creator. They aligned their affection, loyalty, and trust with what was *never meant to rule them.* When judgment came, those same objects of affection became symbols of their shame. What they honored in rebellion became a testimony of their guilt.
God then exposes the deeper tragedy—not just idolatry, but refusal to return. _“Why then is this people… slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?” (8:5)._ They fall but do not rise. They are corrected but do not repent. Even migratory birds know their appointed seasons, yet God’s covenant people do not discern their time of visitation. Creation obeys instinctively; man resists willfully.
The leaders compound the rebellion. They claim wisdom because they possess the Law, yet they distort it. They proclaim, _“Peace, peace,” when there is no peace._ False assurance becomes another idol. They prefer comforting lies over confronting truth. In doing so, they honor deception—and that deception becomes a witness against them.
The chapter closes in grief: _“Is there no balm in Gilead?” (8:22)._ The remedy exists, but they refuse it. The wound is spiritual, the Physician is near, yet pride keeps them from healing. Judgment is not God’s delight; it is the consequence of persistent refusal.
Whatever we continually defend, justify, and celebrate in disobedience will one day testify about the condition of our heart. If we honor rebellion, rebellion will speak for us. But if we honor truth, truth will stand as our defense.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin