“The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered…” (Genesis 39:2)
A successful career. A successful church. A successful life. Who doesn’t want success?
Joseph (in the book of Genesis) was successful. He became second in command of the most powerful empire in the world, and saved an entire civilization from certain destruction. However, these are not why he should be considered a success. In fact, one could argue that Joseph did not pursue success at all – he only pursued God.
Joseph is Ambushed, The Brick Testament
Furthermore, his road to success was one of great suffering and sorrow.
In his Letters and Papers from Prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” If you really want to understand Joseph, look at his suffering. As we read through the stories of Joseph, we can see how his suffering shaped him to be used for God’s glory.
This Sunday we will begin a 7-part sermon series where we will look at Joseph’s unique path to success, and redefine for us what it means to be successful.
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About Corey Sharpe
Where do we get our beliefs?
Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology.
From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ.
Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles.
I am now the pastor at Huntingtown United Methodist Church in Calvert County, Maryland. Together my wife and I are raising 4 young theologians.
The Other Six Days 
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