Rise Up!

In middle school, I joined a drama group who performed every Thursday night at the Inner City Ministry. One of the song leaders in the ministry would always sing, “Wade in the Water.” It became a favorite of mine, the kids, and everyone who heard it. Sung with many verses, improvisations, and even a rap lyric thrown in for good measure.

While the Civil Rights History of this spiritual provides for some excellent stories about Harriet Tubman & others; It declares for us that God is doing something in “the water.” Should that be: the trials of your life, the confession or your heart, or the final transition of life. God’s angel shows up to trouble your waters…And thats a good thing! “Rise up! Be Healed!”

As the man in The Book of John exclaimed, “I have no one to carry me into the water.” Remember, Jesus will always step in and say to you, with power of His Spirit, “Rise Up!”

Rise up, O Sinner!
Rise up, O Heartbroken!
Rise up, Sweet Ann!

- Patrick Luse