Blood Runner - Come and Live

This song, “Come and Live,” is built from Isaiah 55:1–3a and 6–13. Isaiah 55 was originally spoken to Israel, calling them to return to the Lord, to listen to His voice, and to receive the mercy He freely offers. Yet the invitation in Isaiah 55 is not restricted to Israel alone. The language of the chapter moves between Israel-specific promises and universal calls, and the opening words, “Come, everyone who thirsts,” show that the invitation is extended to all who recognize their need. God calls all people—Israel and the nations—to come to Him, listen to Him, seek Him, forsake their wicked ways, and receive His abundant mercy and pardon, made possible through the work of the Servant in Isaiah 53. If we look back, Isaiah 53 describes the work of the Servant, Isaiah 54 applies that work to Israel, and Isaiah 55 extends the resulting invitation, not only to Israel but also to the nations (Gentiles). The New Testament confirms this universal reach. In Acts 13:34, Paul quotes Isaiah 55 as part of his Gospel proclamation. After hearing Paul and Barnabas preach, the crowd begged them to speak these things again on the next Sabbath. When Paul preached the following week, the Jews saw the crowds gathering and became jealous, and Paul declared that he was turning to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard that the message of salvation was being brought to the ends of the earth, they rejoiced. This shows that Isaiah 55, though spoken to Israel, is also the same invitation the apostles preached to the nations. The Gospel call to come, listen, repent, and live is the very call Isaiah announced centuries earlier. For this song, we used only the portions of Isaiah 55 that directly reflect the universal invitation found in the New Testament, so that nothing would distract from the same call Christ and His apostles give today. “Come and Live” is a softer metal song to bring out the words more clearly. It is multipurpose: it is a call to those who do not know God or the life He gives; it is meant to move those who are on the fence; and it is a reminder to Christians that God’s ways and thoughts are higher and better, and that we should remember the depths from which God has saved us, is saving us, and ultimately will save us. This song is the call. In a future song, we will explore the cost. Please do not misunderstand the line in the lyrics, “creation will ascend.” This was used poetically to express that creation will respond with joy, as Isaiah 55:12–13 describes. It does not mean creation becomes divine, is exalted, or is saved in the same way humans are. It simply reflects the joyful response of creation to God’s redeeming work. God bless you! Lyrics: Come, all who thirst — come to the waters without price. You who have no silver — come, receive what satisfies. Why spend your labor on what cannot sustain? Why give your strength to what will never remain? Listen carefully — and eat what is good. Delight in what is true, incline your ear and hear. Take in the words that give life, and let your soul draw near. Delight in what is true, incline your ear and hear. Take in the words that give life, and let your soul draw near. Incline your ear — come to the LORD and live. Hear His voice — and your soul will receive. Seek the LORD — while He may be found. Listen carefully — and eat what is good. Call upon Him while He is near, do not delay His call. The time is open now — the mercy offered to all. Call upon Him while He is near, do not delay His call. The time is open now — the mercy offered to all. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD — who will show compassion. For our God abundantly pardons — His mercy overflows. His thoughts are higher — His ways beyond our own. As the heavens rise above the earth, so His ways surpass our sight. His thoughts exceed our wisdom, His judgments always right. As the heavens rise above the earth, so His ways surpass our sight. His thoughts exceed our wisdom, His judgments always right. As rain and snow descend — and do not return in vain, But water earth and bring forth life — so His Word fulfills His reign. It accomplishes every purpose — it never fails His command. It completes what He has spoken — by His sovereign hand. You shall go out with joy — and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will break forth in release. The trees will clap their hands — creation joining the cry. Instead of thorn comes cypress, instead of brier comes myrtle high. A sign to the LORD forever — His name lifted on high. Come to the waters — receive what satisfies. Seek the LORD while He is near — forsake the world’s disguise. His Word will stand forever — His mercy is abundant. Joy will lead His people out — and creation will ascend. His call is free — yet it summons us to repent. His Word is sure. His grace and mercy are still available. His promise endures.