As we know, the city of Indianapolis is under construction, or at least it feels that way. In preparation for the All-Star Game in February 2024. As a result, this means that both the inner city as well as the highways have alternate routes for the ways we would normally take to get to our destinations.
This happened to me other day as I was headed to a meeting. During my drive, it seemed that there was more traffic than usual, especially semi-trucks. At one point, a semi-truck needed to merge into left into my lane, to get in front of me. His turn signal was on and I slowed down to make room.
The interesting thing is that the name on the truck said “Shah.” There was something about that name that rang a bell for me. I could recall having attended a youth event at a local church here in the city, many years ago.
An event attendee had those same letters in his name. I can remember asking what it meant because it wasn’t a name I had heard or seen often. I then remembered that shah means king. I immediately had an aha moment. I slowed down and made room for the king to come in. Now, some people may think about the Donald Lawrence “When the Saints go to Worship” that speaks of the King being invited to come in.
However, I look at it in a slightly different way and consider the fact that I let the king in. Not only did I let the king in, but I let the king into my lane so that the king could lead the way.
7Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
Psalm 27:7-10, NKJV
When we let the King of glory come in, we are making it known that we are ready for change; ready for a shift. What an irony, considering the season just changed from summer to fall.
For me to have first and foremost been attentive to this truck, not only the size but also the name, means I was ready for a change. Not only was I attentive to the truck, but I also had to be sure I left enough room for the truck to merge into my lane. I had to slow down enough to let the truck merge, therefore, allowing the King to come in.
It wasn’t just the truck that merged. I let the King in, and when the King comes in, everything that accompanies the King comes in too – wisdom, knowledge, clarity…favor and blessing, …victory and glory… mercy, grace and love. It may have meant I made it to my destination a few moments later than expected, but to have the King before me leading the way, is always worth it.
With about eleven weeks left in this year, it’s not too late for us to slow down and make room to let the King come in. Are you willing?
