Chief Seats and Uppermost Rooms - Mark 12:39

Mark wrote how Jesus, “said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirty-nine of his book, Mark shared how Jesus tells His disciples how the scribes love, “the chief seats … and the uppermost rooms” where we read:

And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

The verse reads, “And the chief seats in the synagogues, ...” Mark began with the words, “and the chief seats” which means “and the front row, first, preeminent and uppermost places” “in the synagogues” or “within the gathering or assembly places for worshiping God”. Mark shared how the “scribes” also wanted to be in the “exalted” “seats” within the worship centers.

The verse continues, “... and the uppermost rooms at feasts:” Mark added the words, “and the uppermost rooms” which means “the chief or highest rooms” “at feasts” or “at formal meals”. Mark shared how the “scribes” also loved having the “primary and most exalted” “rooms” when they held “formal meals”.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how these “scribes” thought themselves to be “better and more important” than anyone else. They certainly thought themselves to be needful of the best of everything whether that be “clothing, greetings, primary seats or rooms” wherever people were gathered. Jesus warned against those who acted in this manner, and this “self absorbed” thinking must be submitted to Jesus who desires “Lord” of one's life in order to obtain a personal relationship with God the Father. Let all who read these words examine themselves to discover whether they are like these “scribes” who desired to be “noted and acknowledge” among men rather than honored by God.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus tells His disciples how Jesus tells His disciples how the scribes, “devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".