Rumination #42: Why is it important for the followers of Messiah to identify not only with Abraham, but with Isaac and Jacob as well?

All stripes of the followers of Messiah, identify with Abraham; especially those who are from Gentile stock. Because of the promise of Genesis 12, and Paul's commentary in Romans 4, it is easy for us all to see Abraham as "our father." The difficulties enter when we identify with Isaac and Jacob. Are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob "our fathers"? Of course much of Judaism has said "no" when Gentiles ask the question. Jacob of course was named "Israel" and clearly "Israel" is not Gentile - or at least so it seems to some. The various answers cover the spectrum from anti-Semitic Replacement Theology to "Two House" theology.

It all boils down to that age old problem that simply will not go away: what to do about all these Gentiles… (some in Messianic Judaism are replaying the First Century controversy all over again - and are failing in that regard). Each time the discussion comes up, various groups throw dust into the air - some to cause clear division between Jew and Gentile, while others do it simply to confuse, and obscure their real position on Gentile inheritance and responsibility.

Beloved, it really is important to identify with all three of the Patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob really are "our fathers" - whether we are Jew or Gentile by natural birth. Not merely in some mystical or metaphoric way. So many theologians have difficulty with identifying with Jacob because he is the father of the twelve tribes – which is more difficult to spiritualize as they are prone to do. While the "Olive Tree" from Romans 9 is a metaphor, Israel and the Patriarchs are not. Our Master made it quite clear, the One True G-d, the King of the Universe, is the "G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob." His people are sons and daughters of these three. Period. By the work of Messiah, we all are grafted into the Patriarchs. They are our fathers.

Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of HaShem, to the house of the G-d of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of HaShem from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of HaShem. 
Isaiah 2:3-6

Clearly, there is no difference between "Jacob" and "Israel" - once again reminding us of this Gospel fact: 

Jew and Gentile are fellowheirs. We have One King. We are One People. We have been given One Torah

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