10/12 - Who Does God Favor?

 Musical Greetings St. Andrew's Family

This Sunday, we welcome back Pastor Tim Webster, who will be preaching from Luke 4:14–29. In this powerful passage, Jesus begins his ministry by reading from the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and to let the oppressed go free.”

Then Jesus declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Pastor Tim’s sermon asks the bold question: “Who Does God Favor?” The answer is found in Jesus’ own words—God’s favor rests on the very people the world overlooks: the poor, the broken, the silenced, and those most in need of healing and hope.

The music of worship next Sunday traces this same journey and helps us sing our way through the gospel message.

  • We begin with “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” This hymn is like a trumpet blast at the start of worship, calling us to recognize God’s majesty and power. Every verse reminds us that God is not distant, but active in creation and in our lives—sheltering us, sustaining us, and pouring out blessings. It sets the tone that everything we do, including hearing the Word, begins with adoration.

  • We then move into “God of the Poor (Beauty for Brokenness).” Where the first hymn lifts our eyes upward, this one turns our gaze outward. It connects the greatness of God to the needs of the world, reminding us that true worship calls us into compassion and justice. The text sings of bread for the hungry, freedom for prisoners, peace for the nations, and light for the darkness. Just as Jesus declared in Nazareth, God’s kingdom is not about privilege but about lifting up the least of these.

  • During the offertory, Music Tom will be offering “Then Sings My Soul.” A rendition of "How Great Thou Art". This much-loved testimony in song allows us to hear the gospel not just proclaimed broadly, but personally. Each of us has experienced God’s presence in ways that stir gratitude and awe. This solo is a reminder that when God’s greatness touches our lives, our natural response is to sing from the very depths of the soul.

  • Finally, we close with “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” This hymn sends us out not just inspired, but equipped. It is the prayer of pilgrims and wanderers, asking God to lead us through the wilderness of the world. The words remind us that even as we step into uncertain or challenging places, God goes before us as Bread of Heaven and Strong Deliverer. It is both a prayer of trust and a charge to live out what we have heard.

Taken together, the music and scripture lead us to the heart of the gospel:

  • The Almighty is worthy of praise.

  • God sides with the poor and oppressed.

  • The Savior transforms our personal lives.

  • The Spirit guides us into the world as bearers of hope.

As we sing and listen, may the music not only echo the sermon but embody it—helping us all to see more clearly who God favors and how we are called to live that favor in the world.

Musically,

Music Tom 

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