He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea” (Acts 10:6).
Cornelius had obeyed. This rich man sent for Peter, and here we find the second part of the story.
Peter was lodging in the house of Simon, the tanner. All we know is that his house was by the sea and that he had the gift of hospitality. His rooftop was the scene of one of the most important visions given to Peter.
We can also draw a great lesson from Simon. We often do not have great incomes or material wealth, but our homes can always be a place that shelter people and allow them to have an encounter with God.
Barely had we arrived in the United States when some church members welcomed us in their basement. All the members had collaborated with some furniture and necessary kitchen utensils. It was not luxurious, but there was nothing missing in our cozy, temporary home.
Several families were known to be hospitable in that area. Their roofs and food were part of the offerings they gave so other people might feel at ease, included, and received in a family that was later transformed into a church, and vice versa.
I remember in a special way the young people’s leaders and Sabbath School teachers. They gave their own resources to have the entire group of teenagers from the church in their homes once a week for a small group meeting and again on Saturday night to share some social activity.
God blessed these efforts, and the youth remained involved in the church, largely because of that. In addition, the Pathfinder Club was held in the home of a family that received us with breakfast every Sunday before the activities began.
Your way of offering may also be this. That a person might feel loved in your home and connected to God is not at all something minor, and it is sometimes the ideal door to lead him or her later to another closer relationship with God.
Thus, regardless of your income, you can do a lot by putting yourself in the hands of the divine Provider. He will multiply your willingness, and your selfless and dedicated work will bear fruit.
Remember, the widow’s offering was almost insignificant in value, but with full surrender from the heart. That is what Jesus uses in His work with greater splendor.