In Leviticus 8, Moses ordains Aaron and his sons. In Leviticus 9, Aaron makes the first offerings to God for atonement, well-being and thanksgiving. Aaron’s sacrifices are on behalf of the people of Israel. Moses and Aaron come out of the tent of meeting; they bless the people and the glory of the Lord appears to the people. Fire comes out of the glory and consumes the burnt offering and the fat on the altar (sacrifice of well-being). The people shouted and fell on their faces, a position of worship. Acts 7 continues the trial of Stephen. He tells, what for us, is now a very familiar recounting of the life of Abraham, Joseph and Moses. He adds Joshua, David and Solomon to the list. He tells about how the people did not accept any of these people of faith and did not believe what God was doing through them. He concludes that they are doing the same thing with Jesus. At this the council rushes at Stephen and drag him out to stone him led by a young man named Saul. As he is being stoned, Stephen asks God to forgive the people. And he dies. In our Old Testament lesson we read about the people making atonement for the sins they had committed at the base of Mount Sinai. In our New Testament lesson the religious leaders do not realize/acknowledge their sin and continue to sin. Stephen acts as a priest in a way as he pleads for their forgiveness even in the midst of their sin, following the example of Christ. God provides a way of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He sends the Holy Spirit to us to help us realize/acknowledge our sin so that we might receive the forgiveness he offers. Sometimes we respond in worship, sometimes we respond in rebellion, but God is always there forgiving.