In the early days of the church, as Christ centered worship began to emerge, the security and comfort of Israel’s tradition and self perception was threatened. In one of the shortest ministries in the bible, the deacon Stephen reveals the hypocrisy of the present-day Israel, who had accused him of speaking blasphemy; after presenting a history of Israel and its heroes, Stephen reminds them of their own rejection of God’s authority and messengers, most presently Jesus, whom they crucified. Stephen’s speech reminds us to stay alert and mindful and to ask ourselves of the ways we are opposing the leadership and presence of God in our own lives.