Wade in the Water (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 459)
Refrain:
Wade in the water, wade in the water, children,
wade in the water, God’s a-goin’a trouble the water.
1 See that host all dressed in white,
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water.
the leader looks like the Israelite,
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water. [Refrain]
2 See that band all dressed in red,
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water.
looks like the band that Moses led.
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water. [Refrain]
3 Look over yonder, what do I see?
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water.
the Holy Ghost a-coming on me,
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water. [Refrain]
4 If you don’t believe I’ve been redeemed,
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water.
just follow me down to Jordan’s stream.
God’s a-goin’a trouble the water. [Refrain]
Text and Music: African American Spiritual; Public Domain
Devotion
I first discovered this hymn courtesy of Chicago’s jazz great, Ramsey Lewis. His joyful phrasing, the bass and drums, gave a wonderful sense of invitation and life to this spiritual. Yet, water is serious business. It’s possible that this hymn was used as a guide for the Underground Railroad, as a crucial pointer to life and freedom.
And while some areas flood with excess, as we drive south to Los Angeles the signs along the freeway point to sharply pitched battles over water privileges. The Colorado River brings life to four states, yet it passes through regions of dangerous drought and has an uncertain future.
To wade in the water is life. It is promise. It is certainly a symbol of baptismal grace. But it is always a necessity for life. We are creatures of the water. Wade in the water, wade in the water, children. Care for the water, rejoice in the water, cleanse the water, share the water. It is a gift of grace.
Prayer
Spirit of life, we are thirsty for that which frees us and gives us true life. Grant us a life flowing through the years with grace and gratitude, that resists exploitation and greed. Bring us to new visions of this world in your name. Amen.