Through The Bible in a Year - August 21, 2026

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted his voice and addressed them… ‘Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.’ Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” - Acts 2:14, 36-38

The man preaching on the day of Pentecost—calling thousands to repentance—had, just weeks earlier, cowered by a fire outside the place of Jesus’ trials and denied three times that he even knew Jesus.

“I don’t know Him,” He said with a curse.

But now here is that same Peter, standing before the crowd, filled with the Holy Spirit, preaching the boldest sermon any apostle had ever uttered.

This is not simply a record of Peter’s triumph. This is the Spirit’s work in Peter despite Peter. The message for all of us is that the Holy Spirit works beyond shame, pain, and failure. He worked through David—who loved God and then committed adultery and murder. He worked through Gideon who cowered in fear before going into battle and, then, turned to idolatry after God’s victory. The Holy Spirit even worked through Peter—who denied Christ multiple times. And now, the Spirit ministers to the very people who had crucified Jesus and calls them to repentance, offering them the same grace Jesus provided to the disciples who had failed Him.

The Apostle Peter says in Acts 1 that the Holy Spirit spoke through David about those who would betray Jesus—their failures were part of the determined plan of God to demonstrate his grace. The Spirit was working across centuries, across shameful history, through broken and failing people, orchestrating what needed to happen.

What are we to learn about this pattern of the Holy Spirit’s power and care? You may think God could not use you because of your past, your shame, or your sin. But God is working beyond your past and beyond your shame and despite your sin.”

I once witnessed former presidential candidate and Vietnam war hero, John McCain, get roughly brushed aside in an airport security line by a stranger in a hurry. When that man realized who he’d nearly knocked over, he sputtered an apology, but almost as quickly asked for a picture with Senator McCain. Onlookers were shaking their heads at the man’s brashness. Yet, the senator said, “It’s all right. We’re fine.”

Jesus, whom we have brushed aside, neglected, and rejected—that same Jesus gave Himself for us. And now His Spirit comes to our hearts to say: “You may have brushed him aside by your past selfishness and sin. But Jesus’ response never changes. He forgives. He receives. He stands with you and for you to say to you, “It’s alright. We are fine.”

Respond: What shame is making you believe the Holy Spirit couldn’t or wouldn’t work through you?

This week, name your shame honestly before God. Don’t explain it away. Don’t minimize it. Bring it exactly as it is and say: “This is what I’ve done. This is who I’ve been. Can You work through this?” The answer written across Acts 2 is: yes. The Holy Spirit delights to use our problems as a platform for displaying the grace of our Savior. So, repent, receive his pardon, and believe the promise of his grace is for you.

Prayer: Father, I can carry shame that makes me feel disqualified from Your purposes. That makes be deny You by not trusting in your provision. I fail You not only by my sin, but by brushing aside the care you offered to those that deserved disqualification. You worked through Peter, David, Gideon, and a vast host of other biblical figures with serious failings to demonstrate your grace. You even sent the Holy Spirit to the very people who crucified Your Son and used the Spirit to call them to Yourself. Give me faith that the Spirit is for me, too. Work through me. Work beyond my shame and doubt. Help me to receive the grace and purpose You provide by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.