As you know, our ministry seeks to encourage parents to disciple their children. Thankfully, there are many good like-minded brothers, sisters, and ministries in the world. Recently, one of those teachers, Dr. Joel Beeke, released a small book, How to Lead Your Family: A Guide for Men Wanting to Be More.
I am grateful for this new resource. The following are some thoughts:
Contents Summary
The Westminster Catechism teaches that Jesus occupies and executes the offices of prophet, priest, and king. As our prophet, he teaches us about God. As our priest, he offered up himself as a sacrifice and continues to intercede for us. As our king, he rules over us and defends us.
Beeke helpfully connects those offices to men leading their families. Though certainly we are not Jesus, there is similarity that can help us.
First, we are to be a prophet in our home. God commands us to teach. You can find the explicit commands in Ephesians 6:4 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7 among other places. We teach our children the gospel. We teach them the necessity of the new birth and personal repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation. We teach by example. We also teach by sharing our lives. Dad (and Mom), you are a teacher!
Second, we are to be priests. We performed the priestly work of sacrifice and intercession for our wives and children. When we love them with Christ-like love we are offering a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. Not only do we offer ourselves in service but we are also to intercede for our wife and children as well. Dads, how are we doing?
Finally, we are to be humble servant-kings who wield authority for the good of others. The godly man will govern or oversee his home well. (See my Managing Your Households Well). He will also defend his home from various outside threats.
Review
I am grateful for Beeke applying these concepts to fathers and the home. Having made that connection, I will not forget it. And I will bring up these three offices as I disciple young husbands and dads.
However, a marketing label on the front says that the book is “short and to the point.” And that is my slight critque of it. It feels like it is almost too short. Far be it for one author to criticize another author. I know how difficult it is to produce a book. But after reading it, I thought, “Either this should be shortened to an even smaller booklet or expanded with stories so that I would know how to apply it.” I offer that perspective knowing it may be off. After all, I am a little older than target audience!
Whether you buy the book or not, I commend this connection to you. I am thankful that Jesus is THE prophet, THE great high priest, and THE king. Out of his kindness, I am allowed to bring some of his grace into my home. Dads, you are called to that role as well. What a privilege! Let it capture your imagination.
Want to think more about this topic?
We give awayThe Disciple-Making Parent audiobook for free.
