DEATH CAME KNOCKIN’

“I am under vows to you, O God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God in the light of life”.

Psalm 56:12-13

Lawrence and I spent many hours this summer at MoonHouse Studio in Austin (http://www.albertandgage.com/moonhousestudio.htm) recording his new Gospel CD (which we’re hoping to release sometime in March). Lawrence was introduced to one song from this collection, “Death Came a Knockin',” by fellow Texas recording artist Ruthie Foster, who later included it on her 2002 release, “Runaway Soul.” It has since become a favorite of mine as well due to its infectious melody and harmonies; the historical meaning and symbolism in this song are also fascinating and well worth exploring.

Death as Freedom

Originally an American Negro spiritual, “Death Came a Knockin'” (aka Travelin’ Shoes) addresses the meaning of death to slaves - death representing a chance for escape from their burdensome toil and cruel subjugation. Death was viewed as their chance to return home to God and the ultimate Freedom.

In this song, Death visits a number of people in a family and community, and sets them free; it is within the symbolism of this song that I am reminded of the freedom from death that we are granted as believers in Christ.

“O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me!

Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,

that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion

and there rejoice in your salvation”.

Psalm 9:13-14

Scripture tells us that as Christians we have been justified by the shedding of Christ’s blood and are therefore saved from God’s wrath, for we were reconciled to Him through the death of Christ, His Son. This reconciliation means that we have been restored to God as favorable and righteous, and with this reconciliation comes eternal life. (Romans 5:9-11)

Scripture goes on to explain that through Christ’s suffering and the shedding of His blood, and through our acceptance of Christ as our Savior, that we too have died to sin – meaning that we are no longer held in bondage to sin. Because we were baptized into Christ, we were also baptized into His death, and as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too will be raised with Him. Our old self died with Christ when He died on the cross, and therefore we are no longer slaves to sin. We have died with Him and therefore we have been set free from sin. (Romans 6).

So, if we died with Christ, than we believe that we will also live with Christ. Death no longer has mastery over Him and the life He lives. In the same way, I find great comfort in knowing that death no longer has mastery over me and the life I live; I live for God and am an instrument for his purposes during the remainder of my time on this earth. I am no longer a slave to sin, but instead am now a slave to Righteousness. How Glorious!

Travelin’ Shoes

In this song, the singer claims that when Death comes knockin, he’s going to strap on his shoes and head down to the Jordan Stream, which is a reference to the Jordan River. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Matt. 3:13), and the Jordan has since become a frequent symbol in folk, gospel, and spiritual music, as well as in poetic and literary works. Furthermore, because the Israelites made their treacherous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in The Promised Land, the Jordan often refers to freedom. The actual crossing of the river is the final step of the trip; the Jordan signifies death itself in this song, with the crossing from life into Heaven.

Finally, this song infers that Death’s arrival is expected and welcomed and that the singer has done his duty and that he’s got on his “travelin’ shoes.” For me, this inference is symbolic of the duty that we are called to as Christians, which is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24). It is within this charge that we are called to go into the world and preach the good news to all creation, (Mark 16:15-16). My soul is a witness for Jesus, and I do my duty as His witness by going into the world and sharing His Good News with others. As long as I’m responding to God’s call to “go,” then I must have on my “travelin’ shoes.” Hence, I’ll already be in position to cross that separating line in the River and leave this world behind. In other words, I’ll be running towards that Jordan Stream, eager to cross that River and live with My King! Amen!

As you read about this song and listen to its lyrics, reflecting on your own personal feelings about death and your salvation, I invite you to also rejoice in this current season. It is within the beauty of Christmas that I find confidence in knowing that my death to sin through Christ’s death and resurrection began through His birth. Please join us in celebrating His birth during the Christmas Season!