The phrase, “to guard and to incorporate the Torah (instructions of YHWH) into our lives" means to stay in line with the “tavnit," which is the blueprint or pattern that YHWH has laid down in the Torah by doing certain things, at certain times, at certain places, by certain people.
In Leviticus 10:1-5, Nadab and Abihu found out the hard way that they could not change the services from the blueprint YHWH had commanded. It was the eighth day of their consecration as priests and offered “strange fire” before YHWH. They tried to offer incense at an unauthorized time that was not part of the service YHWH gave, and Scripture does not specify whether two people could do it simultaneously either. Did they consult with Moses and Aaron?
It takes commitment and dedication to carefully abide by YHWH's full instructions. The ordinances of YHWH, like the services in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Temple and the Feasts, cannot be changed by any human authority, not even the sons of the High Priest.
Nadab and Abihu did what was right in their own eyes and they died. What should have been a joyous occasion became a day of grief. Aaron lost two of his sons in one day because they did not “keep and observe” what YHWH commanded them to do. So what makes people think they can “keep and observe” the Feasts outside of the Temple, a functioning priesthood, and Jerusalem today?
Deuteronomy 12:13-14 says they were to be careful not to bring their offerings to just any place they “see” but to where YHWH has put His name. In King Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 1 Kings 8:22-53, he said that place was the Temple - the covenantal center - and Jerusalem.
Isa 33.20 says, “Look upon Zion (Jerusalem), the city of our appointed feasts; your eyes shall see Jerusalem an undisturbed habitation.”
Doing what is right in our own eyes will cost us even our very lives when we are not careful to do what YHWH has commanded.
Deḇarim (Deuteronomy) 12:8-9 TS2009
[8] Do not do as we are doing here today – each one doing whatever is right in his own eyes. [9] “Because you have not yet entered the rest and the inheritance which יהוה your Elohim is giving you.
Brothers and Sisters, when "YOU COME INTO THE LAND" which YHWH your Elohim will give you, according as He has promised, that you shall keep this service.
Shalom.
[Excerpts from White Feather Ministries]
