AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question what 3 men in the bible had a death wish?
i think i know two: Jonah 4:3 and Elijah 1kings 19:4 i think Saul 1 Samuel 31:1
do you agree?
thank you for your help
Answer Hi Darla,
What an interesting, and unusual, question! Your references are quite correct - however, I am not quite so sure about your terminology!
It is true that Jonah and Elijah had reached a low point in their lives - Jonah because he could (would?) not understand why YHWH (the LORD) would want to be merciful to the people of Nineveh; Elijah because he had come to the erroneous conclusion that he was the only person in all of Israel whoi was still faithful to YHWH. In each case, however, I would suggest that their "death-wish" was a "cri de coeur" by someone who could not see any alternative. The important thing is that neither of them took it upon himself to attend to the fulfilment of that expressed wish. Each man was merely asking YHWH to intervene in their situation, in a particular way that, as it happens, was not His will for them at that time.
Saul's case is slightly different. His situation was that he had been badly wounded by the Philistine archers and was aware of the ways in which he would be treated if he was captured. A quick death at the hand of his armour-bearer seemed preferable. However, that young man - in the spirit of I Sam.24:6,10; 26:9,11 - was unwilling to accede to Saul's request. This resulted in Saul committing suicide but, before we judge him too harshy, we must ask what we might have done in the same situation. Only God can pronounce the final judgement on the first human king of Israel.
It also occurs to me that we need to ba careful with our use of terminology. After all, a reading of Luke 9:51 could result in the conclusion that the Lord Jesus, Himself, had a "death wish"!! Of course, the record in Matt.26:39 shows that this is not the case - and the result of His vicarious death (His death on our behalf) is the salvation that we could have obtained in no other way! I trust that you have found that salvation, and that you are walking, daily, with Him.
