The March for Life and The Confession of St. Peter

Text: Mark 8:27-38

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 
Where were you on June 24, 2022, as Roe V. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in the Dobbs V. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision?

It was a day for the history books. By many, it has been seen as the day that finally ushered in a new generation of the post-Roe era.

But, as we stand on this side of history, has anything truly changed?

You see, while there are events that cause history to be written into a book, one can argue, these events cannot change your history.

As Christians, our story and history began with the events of our first parents in the Garden of Eden with their fall into sin, your fall into sin.

The sin that takes the lives of those you love into death, the sin that continues to lead mankind into violating the marriage bed, the sin that provides a façade of power and control over your own lives.

For this reason, you have been gathered here today because your story and all of humanity have been marred by the ancient curse, and you stand with your brothers and sisters in need of help.

While June 24, 2022, left its mark on American history, it has not changed your story or the heart of man.

The Supreme Court decision regarding Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was a victory. Still, it did not bring abortion to its end throughout the land. It was evident by the jeering of many at the steps of the United States Supreme Court on that fateful date last June - man's heart continues to rage against the will of God and remains in deep bondage.

A bondage highlighted by the chants and petitions, “My body, my choice.”

What lies behind such statements is the belief we are all autonomous beings. That we control our life and our destiny.

But, when Jesus asks Peter and the disciples, “Who do you say that I AM?” (Mark 8:27), He is asking them to where and in whom is your trust? This question is also for you.

We know Peter’s confession; he says, “You are the Christ!”

But, what does it mean to say Jesus is the Christ?

It means to confess Jesus as the anointed Son of God. The One who has processed through the city streets of Jerusalem to loud Hosannas of the poor and needy in spirit to save and redeem them, a fallen creation. He is the One by whose death has caused your history and the story of man to be changed forever.

As Solomon wrote in Psalm 72,  
He delivers the needy when [they] call,
                       the poor and him who has no helper.
            He has pity on the weak and the needy,
                        and saves the lives of the needy.
           From oppression and violence he redeems their life. (Psalm 72:12-14a)

But, is this who you confess Jesus to be as you live and toil throughout this life and among friend and neighbor alike?

Or has Satan silenced your lips? Are you like Peter, having found yourself quickly forgetting the good confession as the crosses and tribulations of life are revealed before your very eyes?

How often do you permit Satan to stand before you, to tame your tongue and confession through the days of suffering? How often do you fail to hear God’s Word and then speak His comfort to another in great need?

Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

As Jesus would travel to Golgotha, the place of the skull, the place of death, to bear the sin of the world, another man would be compelled to take up Jesus’ cross. Out of necessity, Simon the Cyrenian is drawn closer to Jesus as he was forced to carry the cross of Christ. (Mark 15:21) This was not “his” cross, and He did not suffer Christ's death for you. But the taking up of one’s cross today is to share as the body of Christ in the suffering of life.

You have been called to take up the crosses of those who have no voice. To join Peter and the Disciples with untamed tongues in confessing Jesus as the Christ.

We haven't come today to this sanctuary or the streets of Washington, D.C., for virtue signaling, to simply express a moral opinion or viewpoint, or have the louder voice, but we have come for confession.

To confess our sin, the sin of anger and distrust in one another. The sin of failing to help and support our neighbor in their every need of body and life. The sin of not loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:31)

But, we have also come to confess the comfort and encouragement of Jesus to the mother who is contemplating an abortion.

We have come to confess the forgiveness of Jesus to the father, who has encouraged an abortion.

We have come to confess the peace of Jesus to those who continue to live with an abortion.

We come to confess the life of Jesus to a world wrapped in sin because, upon the cross, Christ Jesus has defeated death and now gives to us, His life.

As we depart this day, go, knowing this as your history and story. The story of sin and redemption. The story of Jesus. Then pray, sing, and confess His story to all who have ears, today and always. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Associate Pastor, Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Alexandria, VA