Singing through the hymnal week 19: Singing for Grandma

Verse: John 10:14

Hymn: Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

     Last week, my sweet and godly grandmother went to be with Jesus. She had a full 95 years on this earth. There is so much I could say about her, but one thing stands out: she was utterly dependent on her Good Shepherd to lead her. She was so content to trust Him fully. There are so many hymns I think of when I think of her - this week, we will sing her favorite hymn: My Jesus, I Love Thee. If you don't know this hymn, meditate on the text this week. The faith my Grandma had has now become sight. Jesus is hers, fully and completely. We mourn deeply, but not without hope.

   We also continue this week with the theme of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. This is a beautiful text and tune for families to learn. Read John 10 to your children this week and talk about how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Another hymn that you could introduce to your children this week (if you already know Savior Like a Shepherd) is The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want. This is an wonderful tune to the text of Psalm 23 and as repetition in the text which is a great learning technique for children. (Also a great week to read Psalm 23 and memorize it with your children)

Fun Facts

Text: Dorothy Thrupp (1779-1847)

• She wrote many hymns for children and this hymn was included in a book entitled: Hymns for the Young. 
• Based on Psalm 23 and John 10

Tune: BRADBURY    William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)

• composer, publisher, and piano manufacturer in New York
• published 95 song collections
• He gave this tune his own name
• He is also known for the tune to Jesus Loves me and Solid Rock

Remember to order you copy of the hymnal we are singing through if you still need a hymnal!

    Things to think about ...

• this would be a good week to talk to your children about sheep. What are their characteristics? They are not intelligent and are foolish and quickly put themselves in harms way. They require constant care. Without a shepherd, they are helpless. We are referred to as sheep in the Bible, because, we too are helpless without our Shepherd. We need Him to constantly care for us and keep us from sin and from harm. What a good Shepherd Jesus is! (Matthew 9:36)
• This is a great hymn to teach the Gospel - Jesus has bought us, will hear us, will turn to us, will love us! He laid down His life for us! (John 10:15)