“Wade in the Water,” ELW 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
Devotion
Spirituals like “Wade in the Water” were born in slavery. Their authors were unknown, unlike the gospel songs that grew out of them.
Originally they were called “sorrow songs” because they told stories of people who had been kidnapped and sold into slavery and whose hope for freedom was in escape. Often the escape was across the Ohio River. Water cleansing had an added meaning for slaves: “wade in the water” meant washing away your scent so bloodhounds can’t track you.
Likewise, Hebrew water stories and Christian baptismal images share hope for emancipation. We can remember this as we approach Martin Luther King’s birthday; and, as Martin Luther taught us, we can celebrate cleansing and liberation from “sin, death and the power of evil.”
Prayer
Enable us, O God, to sing of freedom. Amen.