The Finger of God

The Finger of God

There is an old saying “The Finger of God”  indicating the work of God is imminent.  At the time of Exodus during the plagues from God the Egyptian magicians told Pharaoh  “This is the Finger of God”. (Ex. 8: 15).   Another incident is found when the Pharisees present to Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery.  As Jesus bends over and draws in the sand with his finger; “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  a sign of pointing to these men their own guilt.  (Jn. 8: 7)  

Mistakes each of us make are not uncommon nor are they unforgivable.  An accusation can easily fall upon any one simply because humans fall as quickly as they sin or the guilt comes from our own realization of weakness entrapping us within it.  

This metaphor is simply pointing out of the opportunity to see quickly the need to confront ourselves and change the obvious wrong we may not perceive as harmful.  Remember in grade school when your teacher stopped you in the hallway and simply pointed her wagging finger in front of you?  No need for words.  At that age we knew what it meant.  Too bad we can not correct simple infractions in today’s elementary environment.  Or when stopping motorists who are speeding or petty thieves who get caught stealing small items; a simple correction without anger venting from either party could change the outcome.  

About the time we find our children are sexually involved at a very young age, or a parent waiting for a young teen to come home and confront vengeance from an angered parent who points to the woodshed (old 50’s method of correction) simply unloading pent-up animosity on a helpless teen.  These events sometimes bring out authoritative responses and we forget that we were also young and are driven to correct these unwanted happenings in our home.  Before we react severely:  “Let the first among you without sin (or any type of infraction) be the first to swing the strap.”  Allow the tendency to not become aggressive, and use a cooling-off session.      

Of course sometimes a little correction is required for the proper raising of those under our charge, but corporal punishment is not the best manner.  As far as promiscuity goes, we need to take charge in moral directions of our children.  It isn’t as easy today as in years past to indoctrinate our children to develop a moral conscience.  We hear the statement “Our friends act this way, and we’re not hurting anybody”.  Abortion is the one result that happens over and over, yet this has become too accepted and the killing of babies is not acceptable.  What about drugs?  There are too many young people dying daily from a quick fix or a day in dream-land with most not knowing where they are.  The Finger of God is pointing towards an disinterested parent or one who refuses to get involved with what is happening in our beloved children, at any age.  The Finger of God points to correct with love and understanding. 

Finger pointing is not a condemnation but a correction of sound principles that have somehow drifted away from family discussions between all members and stand as an open sounding board for all to share.    

Ralph B. Hathaway, The Finger of Authority