Leonard Sweet, among other things is a theologian, a church historian, and a pastor. In this book, he presents theological insights in a practical, easy to read, and encouraging manner.
The author’s focus in this book is the importance of not just relationships in our lives, but relationships in the context of companionship and spiritual growth. If we want to grow well as a disciple, we need to realize that we need some “indispensable relationships” in our lives. In this book he lists what he sees as 11 essential relationships. Each of these relationships is illustrated based on a biblical character.
What does he see as the 11 essential relationships? In his own words …
WHO’S YOUR NATHAN: You Need an Editor
WHO’S YOUR JONATHAN: You Need a True Friend
WHO’S YOUR JETHRO: You Need a Butt-Kicker
WHO’S YOUR TIMOTHY: You Need an Heir
WHO’S YOUR BARNABAS: You Need an Encourager
WHO’S YOUR PETER/PAUL: You Need a Yoda
WHO’S YOUR DEBORAH: You Need a Back-Coverer
WHO’S YOUR ZACCHAEUS: You Need a Reject
WHO’S YOUR RHODA: You Need a “Little One”
WHO ARE YOUR VIPS: You Need a Lydia and Lazarus, Rich and Poor
WHERE’S YOUR JERUSALEM: You Need a Place
THE INVISIBLE 12TH: You Need the Paraclete
What I find helpful is that as Sweet discusses each relationship, he illustrates widely from the Bible, as well as from historical stories, classic and contemporary literature, and everyday real-life examples and issues. His illustrations connect on many different levels.
He makes clear that putting theory to practice requires commitment, authenticity, and can be painful. But he also makes clear of the great benefits. And for each chapter, he provides many challenging questions for deeper Bible study as well as personal reflection.
If you want to grow as a disciple this is a book worth reading and reflecting on.
The real meaning of life is not a journey question or an arrival question. It’s a relationship question. Your journey and your destination are both important, but neither is possible without an answer to this prior question: Who do you have with you?
Leonard Sweet
Reviewed by Paul Long