This month, I am blessed to review a
release by Jan and Marlene Rosenberg, entitled, "A Father’s
Heart". Jan and Marlene are by no means strangers to the
Messianic movement. You might know them as both being involved in the
internationally acclaimed Messianic singing group, Kol Simcha. For
years, we all have enjoyed listening to the many songs that this super
group has produced. I have praised and worshipped the Lord by singing
many of the group’s songs.
A few months ago, I had the pleasure to speak with
Jan, and got to know a bit more about him and this month’s featured
release. The album theme of reaching out to understand the Father’s
heart, really sets the tone for a collection of beautiful and unique
songs unto the Lord. Even in a place of desolation, it doesn’t mean
that we become desolate. "We are passing through on our way to
becoming His special treasure," proclaims Jan.
Jan’s style of writing lends itself to one of a
modern day psalmist. Most of the songs on this release are richly based
upon scripture. There is something special that happens when scripture
is put to song, and Jan has certainly captured this anointed songwriting
style.
There are many great songs brought forth in this
release, but a few stood out in my mind as favorites. My first pick for
an album song sample is entitled "Draw Me After You / Deep Calls
To Deep". This is a beautiful Medley of songs written to Psalm
42:1,4,7, and Ezekiel 43:2. Just how much do we thirst for the Lord? How
much do we seek Him? With some, or with all of our hearts? Do we thirst
for more of Him in our lives? "As a deer pants for the water brook,
so my soul thirsts for You." This song brings to mind that even
though life may bring trials, as our faith strengthens in the Lord, He
enlarges our hearts towards Him. The second part of the medley
ministered to me in a way I have not been touched in a long time.
"Deep calleth unto deep, O my God, hear my prayer when I call,
Raise me up, O my Lord, when I fall, Be my Life, be my hope, be my
all." His all consuming love and care for us is capable of helping
us to overcome, to be delivered, to be cleansed, healed! How often do we
need to be reminded that our Lord is the lifter of our heads?
The second song sample is one that ministered to me
in a very special way. Jan and Marlene’s daughters Tovah and Shoshana
are featured in the song, "I Need You Now", written by
Tovah and Jan. First of all let me be honest with you and tell
you that I cried after hearing this beautiful song. Tovah and Shoshana
bring out the childlike love of the Lord that we all need to cling to.
"Lord come in my heart, restore my life and make me whole. So build
me up to be like You Lord, and I will praise you all my days." From
the realization that we need to know Him to watch over us, to asking Him
into our hearts to be like Him, this song will leave you sitting as a
child before the Lord. Isn’t that where we all want to be?
My highest recommendation is given to you for the
addition of "A Father’s Heart" to your musical
collection. I know that you will be as blessed as I am in listening to
this wonderful collection of songs.
BIOGRAPHY
Jan was raised in a Conservative Jewish home in
Northern New Jersey. Through a series of unusual events, Jan realized
that Yeshua was the Messiah. After coming to know Yeshua in 1971,
Jan attended Bible School. It wasn’t until 1975, when he began to
attend a Messianic congregation. He attended a Messianic conference, and
the vision of Messianic Judaism was deepened within him.
Jan met his wife Marlene while serving in the
singing group, Kol Simcha. Before they left the group in 1991,
their involvement included 4 albums and a concert tour in Israel.
Jan is an ordained Messianic Rabbi, and he and his
wife lead Congregation Beth Zion, located in New Jersey. Rabbi Jan is
also host of the radio program, "Messianic Gold", featured on
Sundays in Howell, NJ. Jan and his congregation also maintain a website:
www.BethZion.org,
where you can hear 'Messianic Gold' online anytime in
RealAudio.
