While I Mused The Fire Burned- "The Presence, The Hallowing Presence"

"The place where you stand is holy." This is what God said to Moses at the burning bush, and to Joshua on the outskirts of Jericho.
What makes a place holy? Only one thing- the presence of the Holy One. His presence makes the Temple holy. His presence makes a life holy.
The place where God encounters us to change us and command our service is sacred. Not the sand, not the bush, not the fire, but God- present, speaking, acting- made that desert spot holy ground for Moses. It wasn't the river he had crossed or the city he would conquer, but it was God who made the place where Joshua stood holy ground.
Only the presence of God makes a building a temple or a congregation a church. Holiness is achieved only by the living God as He graciously draws near to redeem and enlist human life.
We can meet together, we can sing hymns, say prayers, read Scripture and even give money, but all of this is empty ritual in a mausoleum unless God is present to own and bless us. We can write bylaws and mission statements, chant slogans, battle social evils and run victory laps, but our reforms are cosmetic and fleeting unless God is present to energize and direct us. Where holiness is concerned everything depends on the Presence. God's presence cannot be manipulated or controlled by people, not even ordained people in clerical dress. God is not a genie who appears because we rub the lamp or tap a bell or blow a whistle. He is sovereign.
His presence is not capricious. He comes where two or three are gathered in His name. Obedience assures His presence, disobedience forfeits His presence. GOD IS THE HOLY ONE. Nothing is holy except by His presence. Nothing is holy in His absence.