Connected (whether we know it or not!)

"For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever.  Amen."

(Romans 11:36)

In the 11th chapter of Romans, Paul addresses the issue of God's love and (eventual) inclusion of his Jewish brothers & sisters.  He cautions the new Gentiles (non-Jew) believers not to get too smug, but rather to be thankful for God's grace in their lives and rejoice!  Paul also asserts that God still has a plan for his fellow Jews - even though they may not have come to believe in Jesus.

Paul ends the chapter (and the discussion) with this: "For from him and through him and to him are all things."  This echoes John 1:1 - 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  All things came into being through him."  Jesus is "the Word" in John 1, and "Him" in Romans 11.

Whether people acknowledge or recognize it, everybody and everything has a relationship with Jesus.  Christ has been part of the creation (and sustenance) of all.  It's just that many choose not to return their part of that relationship.  I believe God longs for all of us to be in a relationship with Him... and works to draw us towards Him in love.  Life takes on greater depth, meaning, and purpose when we respond to Him.  The cool thing about Romans 11:36 is that everyone has that opportunity to be connected!