(Jer) 30:21 CJB “Their leader will be one of their own, their ruler will come from among them. I will cause him to come close and let him approach me; for, otherwise, who would guarantee his heart enough to approach me?” says Adonai.”

Many men today believe they can define their own relationship with God. They approach faith the way someone approaches a buffet—taking what they like and leaving what they don’t.

Recently, a man I’ve been building a relationship with told me he went to church last week and plans to keep attending. That is good news. God is clearly working in his life. But as we talked further, he described himself as an “à la carte Catholic.” He picks and chooses the parts of faith he likes.

He said he has a relationship with God, just not much of one with the church.

This man is not unusual. In fact, he represents the thinking of many people today. They believe God is willing to accept whatever small acknowledgment they offer Him. In their minds, as long as they consider themselves decent human beings, God surely must accept them.

But Scripture tells a very different story.

In Jeremiah 30:21, God asks a powerful question:

“Who would guarantee his heart enough to approach me?” says Adonai.

The answer is simple—no one.

None of us are worthy to approach a holy God on our own.

One of the greatest expressions of human pride is the belief that we are good enough for God. We assume that our occasional acts of kindness or moments of compassion somehow balance the scales of our lives.

But the Bible consistently reveals something far deeper about the human condition.

Our thoughts, words, and actions expose a heart bent toward self rather than toward God. Even when we do good things, they are often mixed with selfish motives and pride.

The depth of our sin is something none of us fully understands. Yet by God’s grace some begin to recognize a painful truth—we are not clean before Him.

We desperately need mercy.

We desperately need grace.

God is not a beggar waiting for scraps of our attention. He is the holy Creator of the universe, perfect in righteousness and purity. Those who will live with Him forever must share in His holiness.

That standard leaves us with a serious problem.

None of us meet it.

Jeremiah’s prophecy points to the only One who can approach God on behalf of humanity.

God promised that a ruler would come “from among them”—one who could draw near to Him. That promise ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the only man whose heart was pure enough to approach the Father. He lived the life of perfect obedience that none of us could live. Then He willingly gave His life on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for sinners to be reconciled to God.

We do not approach God based on our goodness.

We come because Christ has made a way.

True repentance begins when a person recognizes their spiritual poverty. Jesus described this posture as being “poor in spirit.”

Those who understand their need cry out for mercy.

They see in Jesus the gift of God’s grace—His perfect Son given so that sinners can be forgiven, cleansed, and clothed in His righteousness.

This kind of repentance is not something we manufacture on our own. Even the desire to be reconciled to God is itself a gift of His grace.

Salvation belongs to God.

And He freely gives it to those who humbly receive it through faith in Jesus Christ.

Run Today’s Play:

Ask yourself today:

Am I approaching God on His terms or on my own terms?

Recognize the truth of God’s holiness and the depth of your need for His mercy.

Thank God for sending Jesus—the only One worthy to approach the Father on our behalf.

Then humble yourself before Him and pursue a life that reflects gratitude for the grace you have received.

A man who understands God’s holiness will live differently.

And a man who has received God’s mercy will spend his life pointing others to Jesus.