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Numbers 12:1-2 - Finger pointing
 

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. (Numbers 12:1-2 ESV)

Have you ever heard that when you point at someone you have three fingers pointing back at you? Generally speaking, we ensure others understand this euphemism very well when they attempt to point out our flaws in order to make themselves look better. Essentially, we simply point back at them! Moses was dealing with this very issue as he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness. Miriam and Aaron were pointing to what they considered a sin or flaw in Moses’ life in order that the people would look to them as leaders rather than Moses.

He could have easily pushed back toward them, pointing an accusing finger at their flaws and prove himself the right leader for the job. But, he didn’t. Instead he did two things we can imitate when we find ourselves in similar situations:

He didn’t respond, rather he let God answer for him (Numbers 12:3-4). Instead of defending himself and demeaning his accusers, he let God handle it.
He prayed for his accusers (Numbers 12:13). Instead of brooding over their finger pointing and cultivating a bitter spirit toward them, he prayed that they would be better.
It can often be easier to fight back at those who point out issues/problems in our lives in order to make themselves feel better. In reality, we are just as guilty as them when we point back. We can learn much from the humble attitude of Moses in dealing with those who are finger pointers.

Remember Moses and his actions toward his finger pointers as you encounter them throughout your life.