This year has started off with many CD’s coming
in from all over the world. One that recently came to us was from a
Jewish Believer, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a true
blessing for me to introduce to you what I consider as a must for every
believer. “Shepherd My People”, a CD release by Gary Kaplan
is one of the most dynamic offerings of Messianic music that I have
found in years. This uncomplicated, but professionally produced CD,
delves into a maturity of songwriting and arranging. Gary’s pleasant,
folk-style voice, along with his solid guitar playing, put the
completion of a sure-to- be, well -traveled release.
I
have many favorites on this collection of Gary’s musical offerings,
however I have chosen three songs from the CD. You’ve just got to pick
this one up. I have found myself a repeat listener of “Shepherd My
People”, in the short time that I have been introduced to it.
The first
selection that I’ve chosen for a sample is entitled “The Calling”,
based upon Isaiah 49:6. The call to be a ‘light unto the
nations’ is what we should all be striving for. It is clear that
the Lord has called us to this in all aspects of our lives. This hand
clapping, lively recant of scripture, draws you into the song. No doubt
that you will enjoy this sample.
The second of
three song samples, “When The Clouds Roll Away From The Sky”, commanded
my attention as a powerfully, beautiful adaptation of Mathew 24. This is
one of my favorite passages in the Bible. What will it be like during
the moment that the Lord comes back? The clouds will roll
away, and on that day the whole world will see. This one will leave you
singing this catchy melody, greatly enhanced by Gary’s obvious musical
expertise.
The third song
pick is entitled “Time”(Song for Jerry). This soothing,
melodic ballad brings forth the truth that you never know how precious
time and friendship is until it is gone. The lyrics are deep and thought
provoking. In fact, "Time" won a "silver
salute" national poetry contest. Gary’s
gentle approach to this obvious emotional song will touch your heart.
Although during life people resist giving their life to the Lord, as
they finally do they will find true life in the end.
Gary Kaplan’s
“Shepherd My People”, is sure to become a very popular CD. I
say two thumbs up on this one. Share this one with others!
Biography
After being raised a conservative Jew and
being Bar Mitzvahed, Gary went on to graduate from the University of
Missouri in 1972. Gary then continued to teach music and education.
After college, troubled times hit in the way of unemployment, followed
by a divorce, and Gary was in desperate shape. Gary moved in with a
college friend who began witnessing to him, proclaiming that Jesus was
the Messiah. With Gary’s conservative upbringing this upset Gary and
he threatened to move out, but the friend showed Jesus in Gary’s “Old
Testament” by sharing Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 53 with him. Gary began
to attend a messianic congregation, praying for God to show him the
truth. Gary began to read the New Testament and he felt the book shake
and heard the Lord’s beautiful voice, then the print jumped off the
page and Gary knew that he had found the truth. Gary continued to read
the Bible from 6 to 8 hours every day and was inspired to write songs
from the Scriptures.
After playing with “Jews for Jesus” in 1988, Gary was
asked to write Messianic songs by David Brickner, the Director of “Jews
for Jesus”. Gary’s first Messianic song, “Shepherd My People,”
tells of the Jewish people’s struggle for freedom from the time of
Abraham, and God promising to keep faithful to His promises, eventually
ending with promising “Yeshua” or “Salvation”. Other songs
written by Gary, which were taken from scripture, indicate God’s plan
throughout history for mankind’s salvation in which the Jewish People
are instrumental.
