When the Motorcade Approaches

In November 2023, residents along a motorcade route in San Francisco watched something remarkable unfold. Hours before the APEC summit, city crews swept streets that hadn't been cleaned in years. Barriers were repositioned. Gates that normally stayed locked swung wide open. Police officers who usually waved traffic through now stood at full attention. The entire infrastructure of the city rearranged itself for the arrival of someone important.

One local shop owner told a reporter, "I've never seen these gates open like this. The whole street changed its posture."

That phrase — changed its posture — captures exactly what the psalmist describes. "Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in." The gates themselves are commanded to rise, to stretch beyond their ordinary capacity, because the One approaching is no ordinary visitor. He is the Lord Almighty, strong and mighty in battle.

A city rearranges for a president. How much more should our hearts rearrange for the living God?