So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.”
Genesis 50:16-17
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Devotional written by Brian Field, Missions Pastor
DAD SAID
In childhood, there was always a card you could play with your siblings that carried extra weight.
The “Dad said” card.
“Dad said it’s your week to mow the yard.”
“Dad said to get off the phone. It’s my turn.”
Even better to send a messenger (aka another sibling) to convey the message. Much cleaner that way.
It may not be true; Dad may not have said that, but it was helpful to throw in if you were finding yourself needing a little extra oomph.
Joseph’s brothers played the “Dad said” card and sent a messenger to deliver their message. Did Jacob really say that? Scripture doesn’t say. What we do know is that Joseph didn’t need the “Dad said” card to forgive his brothers. He had already forgiven them.
Fear and unresolved guilt have a way of complicating our lives. Rather than resting in grace, they keep us on the defensive, assuming the worst and taking unnecessary measures to protect ourselves from consequences we fear may still occur.
God doesn’t want us to live that way. When we understand God’s goodness, we can live in honest freedom and come to Him quickly when we have not lived up to His standard. No need to play any cards. No need to send a messenger.
Reflection: Where have fear and guilt complicated your relationships with God and with others? What would it look like to walk in freedom in this area of your life?