Longing for His Presence: Gathered at His Throne

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Thursday: Longing for His Presence

Longing for His Presence

Read Joshua 18:1–2.

When Joshua paused the allotment of the land, it was for a sacred reason: to gather the tribes before the Lord at Shiloh, where the tabernacle—the symbol of God’s presence—was set up. Before settling into their inheritance, Israel needed to draw near to God, to seek His guidance, and to be reminded that the land was not just a possession but a gift from His hand. Their success was never merely about territory; it was about relationship and worship. In calling the tribes together, Joshua demonstrated a truth still vital today: every step forward in life must begin in the presence of God.

As Christians, we do not have an earthly sanctuary containing the physical presence of God. Yet our hope is not less real—indeed, it is greater. Hebrews tells us that Jesus has entered a better sanctuary for us, “as a forerunner” (Hebrews 6:19–20). He did not enter with the blood of animals but with His own perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–12). Because of His ministry, we have “boldness to enter the Holiest” by His blood (Hebrews 10:19–23). The longing Israel felt as they gathered around the tabernacle is the same longing God invites us to bring before Him—except we now approach through a living Savior in a heavenly sanctuary.

Joshua teaches us not to rush into our inheritance—our blessings, our plans, our work—without pausing to seek the One who gives them. Israel gathered at Shiloh; we gather at the throne of grace. Their sanctuary was made with hands; ours is eternal. They saw the cloud and the fire; we cling to the hope anchored in Christ beyond the veil.

And yet, our longing is not fully satisfied. We still journey. We still wait. But the day is coming when longing will give way to seeing, when faith will become sight, and when Christ Himself will dwell among His people. On that day, no temple will be needed, “for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). Until then, we enter His presence by faith, draw near with confidence, and fix our hearts on the hope set before us.

Final Prayer
Lord, thank You that through Christ we can draw near to Your presence with confidence and hope. Teach us to pause before You, like Israel at Shiloh, seeking Your guidance before we move ahead in life. Anchor our hearts in Jesus, our High Priest and our hope. And stir in us a longing for the day when You will dwell among us forever and no sanctuary will be needed again. Until then, keep us faithful, worshipful, and near to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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