As the limousine arrived, I watched, wondering who the distinguished rider would be.

I gathered my belongings, knowing the time my ride was scheduled to arrive was drawing close. The battery to my flip phone had died, so I kept it plugged into the wall outlet. I tugged on the zipper to my suitcase, hoping it would stay secure.

“Cummmeooo?” the limousine driver said, stepping into the lobby.

I looked around, for the guest.

“Cunio?” the driver said, correcting his previous statement.

That’s my name, I thought, but he must have an error in his registry.

“Is there a Diane here? Middle name Virginia?”

“Sir,” I said sheepishly, “that’s my name but I ordered an econo-class ride.”

“And, you object to my choice of vehicles?”

“But sir, there’s this matter of cost…”

“Ma’am, there’s no upcharge.”

The driver motioned to my bag. I nodded, giving him permission to take the handle. My thoughts were on the zipper, God, please don’t let my suitcase spill its contents now.

Seating me, he listed questions faster than I could answer: “Your choice of music? Would you prefer the long seat? I’ve chosen blue and red lights, unless you’d prefer a different selection. Your choice of beverage? Air conditioning temperature?”

As I settled into my unexpected ride, I caught glimpses of my reflection in the plethora of mirrors throughout the vehicle’s interior. It seemed right, but not right. Flip phone in hand, ordinary clothing, and yet I was being pampered to the max.

The dividing mirror slid open, “Mrs. Cunio, are you in need of my services?”

“I’m good, thanks,” I said, slipping the flip phone into my pocket. If I could make one upgrade, it would be that. I took a chocolate…it melted in my mouth. I watched the decorative interior lights, the traffic noiselessly streaming by, and smelled the leather seat I’d nestled into.

“God, is there a purpose for this ride?”

I heard in my spirit, You are experiencing what you’ve taught.

I thought about a time I’d taught on Song of Solomon, the Bride of Christ, and her Bridegroom Jesus Christ, as represented in the vignette. To make the point of His luxurious love, I’d ordered a limousine to transport the ladies to a restaurant. I’d made the comparison between the limousine and the chariot of Song of Solomon 3:6-11.

“This is how deeply your Bridegroom loves you,” I’d said. “Jesus Christ— ‘Beloved Solomon’ in the allegory—offers you His best. His love is incomparable.”

Christ’s love is lavish. He is no pauper. And yet, He humbled Himself, becoming the Babe in the manger, innocent and vulnerable. The Son of God became the Son of Man, purchasing our salvation on Calvary’s cross. In-between those two events, our Bridegroom taught us the luxurious living He intends for us to have. Although I was experiencing the contrasts between modest and wealthy living, the real message had nothing to do with money. In the spiritual realm, the concept is freedom in Christ.

When we yoke ourselves to the Bridegroom Jesus Christ, He brings freedom in every area—extinguishing Satan’s traps, and teaching us to lean into the divine love and peace He intends for us to live in. He has reserved His best for His Bride. There is no lackluster with Him. His plans for you, His Bride, exceed any good plan we could imagine.

Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day of the gladness of his heart.

~Song 3:11 NKJV

What will Beloved’ chariot be like that He will transport us home in? Oh, it is better than the limousine ride. There’s no comparison, really. The tapestry seat you’ll sit on represents your love-story. Each time you’ve worshipped Jesus, a stich goes into this seat. Gold and silver pillars of the chariot form a holy role-cage, representing Heaven’s glory, and forgiveness we need throughout our journey. The chariot’s wood of Lebanon cross represents Calvary’s cross, providing us freedom from sin. Angelic hosts surround the chariot, keeping it secure as we fly into the split sky.

Oh yes, this chariot ride is much better than a limousine ride. You will someday experience this in full measure. But you can experience freedom in Christ every day, measure-by-increasing-measure. Cast aside every care, rest in Jesus’ presence daily, and be assured this spiritual freedom is your inheritance.

Are you living in the freedom Christ intends?

Beloved Jesus, thank You for the freedom I have in You. Help me to receive every spiritual blessing You’ve ordained for my life.

Amen.

Genre: Creative Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Freedom Forecaster: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: July 2021: Inspire a Fire: Senior Editor Martin Wiles; Executive Editor Cindy Sproles