How to Lead Your Family (Joel Beeke)

The Bible ascribes three roles to Jesus: prophet, priest, and king. In How to Lead Your Family, Joel Beeke argues that "the church and the world desperately need Christlike men who lead their homes for God's glory. Such Christlike men reflect Christ's threefold office as prophets, priests, and kings. This office bearing has huge implications for how we lead our families." He proceeds to look at each office and their respective attributes, giving a model for how men should strive to lead his wife and children. In a nutshell:

- Prophets in the home: "As a prophet to your family, you confess your own faith and speak forth the counsel of God given in the Bible. you do not add to the Bible; your task is to make its turths known to your wife and children."

- Priests in the home: Imitating some aspects* of Christ's role as priest, you sacrifice yourself for your wife and children by loving them "absolutely, purposefully, realistically, and sacrificially." You are to model Christ's care for His church, laying down your life in self-giving love to nurture, protect, and provide. And by interceding for the family regularly in prayer.

- Kings in the home: "Fathers must be kings like Christ—humble servant-kings who wield authority for the good of others." "Provide your wife [and children] with biblical, tender, and clear servant leadership—not ruthless authoritarianism."

This book is only 70 pages long; an easy afternoon read. As advertised, it is 'short and to the point.' It is clear and convicting. It lists many powerful truths, humbling charges, and wise insights. It is prescriptive (giving many tips on what to do) without elaborating. It does give a nod to the struggle of leading well due to our sinful condition, but it focuses on the goal. Overall, I liked it, though I wish it was a little longer and provided more on repentance and hardship. It also assumes people have a solid background in the Bible—I found myself mentally 'filling in the blanks' to elaborate on a given point. It is a recommended read for the Christian man who needs reminders of our charge, but I think younger believers might need more.

Rating: A-

*because other aspects, like his atoning work on the cross and mediator role between us and God, are things we cannot do.