Prayer Vigil for the Protection of Human Life

November 29, 2021

Text: Isaiah 9:2-7

***The following meditation was given on the steps of the US SCOTUS in the days leading up to oral arguments of Dobbs VS Jackson Women’s Health Organization***

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

As we have entered the season of Advent, we have entered a time when the Church’s posture is naturally turned toward prayer.

Throughout the Advent season, the darkness of night constantly progresses and increases as we all await our Savior’s arrival – His return.

The world likewise resides in this darkness we now experience. It is the darkness of sin, rebellion, and unbelief.

And yet, Isaiah wrote,        

The people who walked in darkness

Have seen a great light;

Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,

Upon them a light has shined.

We who walk in darkness desire to see this light and have it shine upon us.

For this reason, we gather in prayer for the light to be upon us and those residing in the darkness of life with us.

You see, the darkness affects us all and is uniquely crafted for each of us - our unique struggles, temptations, and needs. The darkness is our restlessness, our rebellion toward God, our need for control, and our sin.

But, the light is outside of us. We cannot bring ourselves out of the darkness, but rather, we must be led by the light into day.

And so, we must look to whom Isaiah foretells as he writes,

For unto us a Child is born,

            Unto us a Son is given;

         And the government will be upon His shoulder.

         And His name will be called

         Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

         Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What has been placed upon the shoulders of this child and only begotten Son of the Father is the cross and the sin of the world. In turn, what He now gives to us is His peace – His forgiveness.

As Jesus spoke, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

But ultimately, fear is what led us to this night some forty-seven years ago, on January 22, 1973.

That fear continues today in the minds and hearts of each person struggling with the life residing within their womb.

But, we come tonight to these steps of the Supreme Court of the United States of America in peace, and we come with prayer.

Truthfully, it would be easier to have stayed home this evening, but we cannot do that. We know from the Scriptures that we are responsible for praying for our leaders and everyone in need. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

For this reason and in this night of darkness, we gather to pray for those continuing to struggle with their past abortion, for those who continue contemplating the termination of an ongoing pregnancy, and for those who serve in the legislature, the courts, or any other leadership position throughout our land.

We pray for God’s Word to be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. (Psalm 119:105)

We entrust these prayers to God our Father, trusting the Holy Spirit to work and transform the hearts of man through the Word and Gospel of Christ Jesus. A Word that announces and gives the forgiveness and life we all so desperately need. A word that leads us to the everlasting light of the Prince of Peace.

So, now let us keep our Advent, permit our prayers to ascend as incense, always trusting in the good and gracious will of our Heavenly Father. +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

Oh, the Places You'll Go: My Promotion Speech for Sergeant Major

This speech was given on the day of my promotion to Sergeant Major - June 19, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the promotion ceremony was conducted via Zoom.

Before I begin, I want to thank CH Solhjem for hosting today’s ceremony and SGM Martinez for providing remarks. I am grateful for their leadership and allowing this ceremony to have the semblance of normalcy in very unnormal times, especially for my family who are watching via Zoom.

Just think of all the places you will go the recruiter says to the new recruit as they are on the verge of enlisting in the United States Army. No, I don't believe recruiters are issued a copy of Dr. Seuss' book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go." Still, in many ways, the recruiting pitch may have some similarities. You'll face danger, travel through wide-open spaces, enter the waiting place (which there are many), and hey kid - you will face problems. Am I doing a good job of recruiting future soldiers yet?

My parents knew all of the risks when they signed and gave me permission to enlist at the age of 17, we are a military family. One grandfather served in the Navy, and another was in the Army infantry during WWII. My father was in the Air Force during Vietnam, and my brother served in the Army National Guard in the 1990s. Still, knowing the danger, my parents granted me permission to enlist during my senior year of high school to become a soldier.

Little did any of us know that danger was creeping at the door, and the horrific events of 9/11 would be close at hand. As a 20-year-old specialist, I got the call to go. From the college life to the mountains of Bagram, Afghanistan, the transformation was quick and traumatizing. Honestly, I could have used a little Dr. Seuss back then to give me some false motivation and confidence as I traveled to places I did not want to go.

Instead, Mr. Charles Hire (former NCOIC of the 10th Mountain Division) and the now SGM Eugene Loveless is what I received. These two men inspired me for the first time in my Army life; they were leaders to me. Mr. Hire and SGM Loveless planted seeds in now fading memories of conversations we had almost 20 years ago, that would change my career's direction. To both of you, thank you.

Those seeds planted by Mr. Hire and SGM loveless have not grown on their own. Many leaders have come along throughout my career and nurtured me through the investment of their time, their energy, and frustration, mentoring me and encouraging me to this day. Thank you, SGM Patrick Savage, the retired Master Sergeants Leamon Duncan, and Gerald Holliday. I would be remiss if I did not thank the chaplains that have given me their complete trust and confidence to demonstrate my potential for increased responsibility. Thank you, CH Brian Harki, CH Charles Causey, CH Jonathan Shaw, CH Jeffrey Watters, and CH Mark Nuckols.

Yet, throughout this career, as you meet many people from all over this land and of every walk of life, some things do not change. My family has remained strong throughout my many mobilizations and deployments in the United States Army Reserve. My family has been there for every goodbye and every welcome home. They continue to encourage and support me as I serve today. Whether it was cards, letters, pictures, or emails, you have been behind me one hundred percent of the way. I am grateful for all of you – mom, dad, Luther, Eve, Jay, Luke, and Emma.

One of the places I was fortunate to mobilize throughout my career was the Office of the Chief of Chaplains. I am a repeat offender, I left the first time none the wiser. But, it is here that I met my wife, Becky, in 2009. Since then, we have survived six to eight moves between the Army, seminary, and the parish. Becky is our family's pillar, she keeps our home and family going. She is super mom to Lydia, Samson, Jonah - and the new baby is the luckiest little boy or girl in the world to have her as a mother. Becky is my greatest cheerleader, the best listener, and my most faithful friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving and forgiving me unconditionally.

As so many of you know, as you become a parent, this profession becomes harder. Over the past two years, I have traveled more than any other time in my career. I met a lot of fantastic chaplains and religious affairs specialists serving this Army throughout the world. But, the loneliest place for me has been in the backseat of an UBER pulling away from my children as they wave goodbye from the front step of our home. They did not sign-up for this career, they were born into it. It’s now part of who they are. Thank you, Lydia, Samson, and Jonah, for always understanding when daddy has to leave and for always waiting for me when I come home. I love you!

These three kiddos don’t see daddy as the desk jockey he is today, they see him as a soldier, not any soldier either. They see their father as the one in pictures they peruse in my photo album from Afghanistan in 2002, holding an M16 next to Mr. Hire or SGM Loveless. If you haven’t figured out, Afghanistan is where a lot of change occurred in my life. Afghanistan is where wearing the uniform became a career.

Approaching this new chapter of my military career as a Sergeant Major, I do so with an appreciation for the past and an eye to the future. Research says at least one of my children will continue in the family business by donning a military uniform. As a parent, I want the best leaders for them. As leaders today, we have the responsibility to foster and create an environment that nurtures, cares, and grows future leaders as we have been cared for.

I referenced Dr. Seuss's book today, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” because it highlights a belief in oneself like the old Army slogan – “Army of One.” Dr. Seuss highlights a belief in the autonomy of man. However, in reality, my career has been nothing of the sort. My family and friends have always cared for and supported me. My brothers and sisters in arms have always stood next to me and led me. And my Lord has never departed from me, no matter how alone I have felt. Today is a testament that I have never been alone in my career. The places I go, we go, we go together, and I thank you all for being part of my career in the greatest Army in the world.

Pro Deo et Patria.

For God and Country.

Devotion at LoveX2 Conference

***The below was given as a devotion at a conference held at the Museum of the Bible in January 2020

Matthew 2:13-18

Prayer:

Let us pray: Almighty God, the martyred innocents of Bethlehem showed forth Your praise not by speaking but by dying. Put to death in us all that is in conflict with Your will that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

In my tradition, December 28th is observed as a feast day in the church year. The feast is that of the Holy Innocents. The feast of Holy Innocents is the third feast in the first three days of Christmas. The first is on December 26th, St. Stephen, who was martyred in both will and deed. On December 27th, St. John is observed, he is a martyr in will, but not in deed. Lastly, on December 28th, the Holy Innocents are martyred not in will, but in deed. It's not the beginning of the Christmas season you would expect, but it has a purpose in preparing the Church for the Christian life.

The feast of Holy Innocents is the day in the church year when the Church has appointed time to remember the slaughter of the innocent boys in Bethlehem. As we read a moment ago, King Herod was a jealous man, even killing his own family members if he thought they conspired against him. When Jesus was born, and word of a new King came by the magi, Herod could have nothing of the new king and sent his soldiers to murder all male children under the age of two. It was Herod's hope that by exterminating these children, he would rid the world of Jesus and further fortify his way of life, his reign as king. So, on December 28th, the Church marks time and remembers these innocent children who died not in will, but in deed.

The date of the first March for Life, January 22, 1974, was not chosen by us. It was given by the Supreme Court ruling. In many ways, I agree with a former professor of mine and believe it would be helpful for the feast of Holy Innocents and the March for Life to be on the same day. But there is a purpose for each observance on their particular day in time.

The three feasts that range from December 26th through December 28th remind the Christian that this life is brief, but more importantly, Jesus has come. In Jesus, we are always being prepared through His Word for the trials and tribulations of this life. We are always looking forward to the day when we will be brought into His eternal presence. For now, this life becomes a life of suffering, bearing one another burdens, and carrying undesirable crosses. The innocent boys who died at the hand of Herod could not defend themselves, but they received the weight of martyrdom, the crosses they carried brought them death. In this way, as we remember the prayer we prayed a moment ago, the holy innocents offered their praise "not by speaking, but by dying." And for our ears and our hearts, this is absolutely not fair and absolutely cruel.

The feast of Holy Innocents continues to be painful still today, children that never saw or experienced life as you or I have. They would not run around and chase one another or learn to use their voices to speak or sing for joy. Instead, these children were ruthlessly put to death for the purposes of power and lordship. What we see in Herod is a conflict that continues today in all mankind. The conflict resides in the heart. It is the conflict of the will of man, good and evil, saint and sinner.

The March for Life is painful, first because we still must march. But it is also painful because we continue to see the old battle and conflict of the will of man raging against the will of God. It is the conflict that first began in the Garden of Eden as the serpent led Adam and Eve into temptation. In the Garden, our first parents placed their will above God's and were led into the belief that they too could be like God. This conflict and desire for power to be like God continues beyond the Garden and beyond the rule of Herod. This past year, news reports from Indiana and Illinois reported another Gosnell discovery of thousands of human remains from abortions in years gone by, children that will never be identified but known only to God. Dr. Ulrich Klopfer was the one at the center of this tragedy. But, for those children that died at the hands of Dr. Klopfer, a conflict already resided in the hearts of the mothers and fathers to be. These mothers and fathers brought what they saw as the troubles of their life, the crosses placed upon them, and their conflict to the hands of Dr. Klopfer. This is a struggle for me to understand. But it also causes me to examine the conflicts within my own life and whether I turn for power and control over them or whether I pray that God would put to death all in my life that is against His will.

The Feast of Holy Innocents gives us hope because of Jesus. He is the Savior promised to Mary, the One who would be born of a virgin and save his people from their sins. Jesus is the One who would take on the flesh of the innocent children that would never speak, yet praise their God by their deaths. Jesus is the Savior whose death would put an end to death and give life and forgiveness to those trapped in the conflict of sin, joy to the downtrodden, and hope to those who are hopeless in this life.

For Jesus, death will come. But His death will be upon the cross, it is not in the manger or the tender years of His youth. We know little of Joseph from the Gospels, but in the Scripture read today, Joseph is the Lord's earthly protector. The angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and warns him to protect the child and flee to Egypt. Joseph is not the Savior, he not a king, and for the great work God gives to him, the protection of your Lord, His name is, for the most part, silent within Scripture.

The world we live in lacks silence. Noise surrounds us, it consumes us. The sounds of the innocents will never break into this world. Yet, by the leaping of John the Baptist in the womb of Elizabeth proclaims to me that the unborn still hear the great promises of Jesus. While they will not praise the Christ child by words, they will praise Him by their deaths. However, the weeping and lamentation of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers will continue in the silent corners of this world, lamentation and weeping that joins the voice of Rachel at the end of our reading, "Because they are no more."

Today, Joseph provides an image to the Christian Church on earth as the Church is called to protect those who are unable to give voice to their needs. The Church is called to care for those suffering from the earthly wants and demands of this world. It's the supplication of the Church that "our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips." Pray that our life and our faith confess Jesus Christ, "Who is the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25)

As we discuss issues and ideas today, as we ready ourselves to march again this year, let our voices be united in confessing Jesus Christ to those who suffer from conflict within their lives. Let us confess with our lips Christ and His forgiveness to the mothers that will never hold or hush their sweet children to sleep. Let us confess Jesus Christ to the fathers that will never walk with their children and instill the Christian faith upon their hearts. Let us confess Christ to the grandparent that never had the opportunity to share stories of their parents and pass down their heritage. Let us confess Christ to the Herods of this world, those who seek fleeting power and purpose.

The day of Holy Innocents and the March for Life are regrettably, and sadly yearly dates etched onto our calendars. These dates are days of remembrance, but also opportunities for us to confess Jesus Christ to those in conflict and darkness. So, let it be our prayer that God would "put to death in us all that is in conflict with His will that we may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips." Faith that in Jesus, there is forgiveness. Faith that in Jesus, there is hope. Faith in Jesus for He is our Savior and our Life. +INJ+

Let us Pray: Heavenly father, creator of all that is good. Put to death in us all that is in conflict with your will, enliven us with the Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we are prepared in both will and deed to live as your true children on earth. We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God. Amen.