The word to “borrow” popped into my mind. To borrow is to take and use (something that belongs to someone else) with the intention of returning it.

To borrow is to appropriate or to commandeer something but always with the intention of returning said item…and hopefully returning it – in a better condition than you received it in…

So, I wondered what the scriptures actually had to say about “borrowing…”
Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but “the righteous” is generous and gives.”
Proverbs 22:7 states that, “The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is “the slave” of the lender.”
Romans 13:8 says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has “fulfilled the law.” And finally, Matthew 5:42 teaches… “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” Do not refuse them!
Interesting…and Jesus temporarily borrowed Simon’s boat, for his teaching purposes.
He used it as a floating platform or raft from which to speak. So in true rabbinic style he sat down and taught from a boat. It was pretty ingenious.
To pay them back for the use of their boat, Jesus had them put out a little deeper and lay down their nets. The haul of fish was overwhelming. It was outlandish. Bizarre… Crazy…more than to be expected… Ever! And then he called them, to follow him.
So, I thought what else did Jesus borrow and four additional incidents immediately jumped into mind.
Remember the two small fish from the little boy at the feeding of the 5,000? Jesus asked for them. You always start with what you have. You give what you can. Sometimes a little becomes a lot! What started out with compassion for the multitudes ended up being – 12 over flowing baskets left over. Klasma is the Greek word meaning fragments…
Again, it was mind boggling!
Next it was a donkey and a colt, the foal of an ass. The international beast of burden, a symbol of peace, when compared to the stallion of war, or the mighty charger…
The greatest – borne by the humblest… “Just tell them the Lord has need of it and he will send it back here shortly…”
We can only imagine how valuable, how desired, what price would be offered for that donkey – associated with the king of kings, the messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.
It probably was a much sought after beast of burden.
Next it was a “Time-Share” that Jesus borrowed. He needed a place to celebrate the Passover Meal with the twelve. So, according to the scriptures, Jesus said: “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, “The teacher asks: “Where is my guestroom, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.
Tradition has said, this was the house owned by the mother of Mark, the gospel writer. Here the disciples would also hide out for the days following the crucifixion. Here, the risen Jesus would join them behind closed and locked doors.
It was here that he washed the disciples feet.
It was here that he celebrated the Lord’s Supper with them.
It was here that they prayed and sang songs before going out into the Garden of Gethsemane.
It was here that the apostles reconvened as they waited for the day of Pentecost – after the Ascension of Our Lord.
The Upper Room became a rallying point for the early church. This room became a hallowed place.
And finally it was another piece of real estate that he borrowed. This time, it was a tomb. It was to be a rich man’s grave. Joseph of Arimathea was a rich Jewish man and probably a member of the Sanhedrin or council of Jewish elders. It was Joseph and Nicodemus who cared for the body of Jesus. The tomb was only borrowed for Jesus was just visiting for a few days. If you will remember a centurion was sent to seal the tomb. Guards were posted at its entrance. But on Easter morning an angel of the Lord – rolled back the stone from the sepulcher. Later, according to John’s gospel two angelic visitors were seated inside.
So what would the Lord borrow from you? How about your hands, your feet? What about your voice? Your ears? What about your smile or your eyes? Your abilities?
You always start with what you have?
What else do you have, do you possess that you would be more than willing to share with the Lord of the Church?
What can you give – in response for all that he has given to you?
Remember he won’t keep it – he is only going to borrow it for a while. He will return it to you in better shape than he received it.
What will you render to the Lord? Amen.