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Today’s reading was Numbers 31 and 32. We learn that Moses’s time as leader of Israel is drawing to a close in the second verse of chapter 31,

“Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”

The forty years of wilderness wandering is over. The previous generation—except for Moses, Caleb, and Joshua—has died. This command to battle may have been God’s gracious gift to Moses, giving him a victorious final send-off. Or perhaps it was a sign to the next generation that the Lord would go before them in battle—with or without Moses. Most likely, it was a bit of both.

This particular battle includes two noteworthy moments. First, we see the death of Balaam, the infamous prophet-for-profit. If there was any doubt about whether Balaam was in God’s favor, his death in battle clears that up. Second, Moses is furious with the Israelite soldiers for sparing the Midianite women. He says:

“Have you let all the women live? Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord…” (31:15–16)

The mandate and orders may seem harsh—all women who had lain with a man were to be killed—but it is a necessary reminder for the children of God that He knows what's best and disobedience does carry consequences.

The older I get—or maybe I should say, the more mature I grow in the Lord—the more I wonder about our obligation to obey. Strangely, I’ve noticed that some Christians become less strict about obedience the longer they’ve walked with God. But Scripture seems to say the opposite. Consider these verses:

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required…” (Luke 12:48)

“Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1)

These verses aren’t for judging others but they’re for evaluating myself. I’m increasingly aware and convicted that my responsibility to reflect God well only grows with time. And choosing to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit will have negative consequences on my relationship with the Lord.

In chapter 32, we see that same seriousness about responsibility. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, recognizing the land they just conquered was ideal for their livestock, asked Moses if they could settle there instead of crossing the Jordan. At first, it caused concern—almost panic. Were they going to abandon their fellow tribes before the battle even began? Were they going to commit the same sin of their fathers by disheartening the people from going in and conquering the land?

But the Reubenites and Gadites clarified: they would leave their families and join the rest of Israel’s army to help take the Promised Land. Only once the mission was complete would they return home. Moses agreed, but not without this sobering caveat:

“…be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23)

Yes, the God we serve is merciful. But His mercy is never a license for sin. If that is the way we decide to live, there will come a day of correction and most likely consequence.

Takeaway: God’s mercy is astounding—but it doesn’t erase responsibility. Whether you’ve walked with Him for forty days or forty years, obedience still matters. Trust in His mercy, but walk humbly, and live with integrity—because the God who sees all will one day bring all things into the light.