BOSA Newsletter
“Only The Best Is Good Enough”
Volume 17
Produced by: Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA)
Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased)
New Market P.O., Saint Elizabeth
Jamaica, West Indies
E-mail: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com
Officers:
Glenis Daley, President
Victor Smith, Vice President
Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer, Editor/Producer
Ann Hamilton, Assistant Secretary
REFLECTION ON BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ALUMNI THAT HAVE PASSED ON
In keeping with the decision of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to support a paperless friendly environment and go green, effective from Volume 16 of its newsletter, the Association will no longer list in its newsletter the names of Beersheba Primary School Alumni that have passed on.
All Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and all our other readers who are accustomed to see the names of those that have passed on listed in its newsletter, are asked to visit BOSA website: bosaonline.org where information is listed in full detains and it will be updated periodically.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to express its sincere condolence to all family members and relatives of the deceased as they continue to grieve and mourn the loss of their love ones. May the memories of these bereaved love ones continue to linger in our hearts. Sunset in one land is sunrise in another.
DECISION TAKEN BY THE SCHOOL BOARD AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) AND THE MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND RE SHANISA JONES, NOW GRADE 10 C STUDENT AT SAINT ELIZABETH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL (STETHS)
BOSA comments on the above subject matter remains the same as they were written on page 1 of 12 and 2 of 12 in Volume 14 July 2013 of its Newsletter.
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and all readers of this newsletter are urged to visit BOSA website: bosaonline.org to view and read new articles posted on the website that will give them additional information with respect to this outstanding, contentious matter unresolved.
PROGRESS REPORT ON SHANISA JONES, TANHOI GUTHRIE, NICKAYLA STEVENS, AND DAMANIKE SMITH
Shanisa Jones, grade 11 student, Tanhoi Guthrie, grade 10 student, Nickayla Stephens, grade 9 student, and Damanike Smith, grade 9 student who currently attend Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Hampton School, Santa Cruz and Malvern, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies , continue to maintain satisfactory academic performance.
BOSA INVALUABLE HONORARY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND WELL-WISHERS
Cognizant of how invaluable Honorary Members, Friends, and Well-wishers are to Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association with importunity, continues his relentless search through the use of social net work websites and Information Technology (IT) to build BOSA database so as to add Honorary Members, Friends, and Well-wishers who are invaluable to the work that BOSA is doing in the interest and welfare of students at Beersheba Primary School.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record and express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Carlton A. Prince, CPA, New York, USA, Hartley Cawley, Cawsley’s Pharmacy, Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Rory Allen, Allen’s Texaco Service Station, Black River. Saint Elizabeth, and Reuben E. Spencer, Retired Entrepreneur, for their continued invaluable support to the Association.
BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) ALUMNI WHO CONTINUE TO HAVE A CARING HEART TOWARDS STUDENTS WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) AS WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE SCHOOL.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sheila & Winston Hamilton, Nora “Kitty Teacher” Lawrence, Kenneth Smith, Viola Cain-Hall, RN, Gloria Smith-Meredith, BSC, Roy Holness, Neville Jones and other Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni who have requested that they remain anonymous, for their generous sacrificial financial contribution that are utilized by the Association as a safety net to assist students who are in need to further their education.
NEED FOR GSAT STUDENTS GRADUATING BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL TO BE COMPUTER LITERATE
Against the backdrop of information given on page 2 of 10 Volume 15 October 2013 under the above heading, and in light of recent announcements made by the Ministry of Education with respect to the introduction and provision of Computer Tablets to each student at the Primary Level, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) met with the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) on December 4, 2013 to discuss the way forward regarding this matter.
Decision taken at this meeting at which four (4) additional items that were used as terms of reference for this meeting, is that the Administration at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) will take appropriate action to contact Stephen Curran, Network Design Director at Digicel Group, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies regarding his interest that he has indicated to Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to provide Wireless Broadband Internet Service to the school notwithstanding the fact that his knowledge of the terrain in the area could be challenging to provide service to the school.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has not received any information from the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) with respect to the outcome of the contact that the Board is expected to make with Stephen Curran, Network Design Director at Digicel Group.
MORE JAMAICAN PROVERBS
On page 8 of Volume 2 of BOSA Newsletter under the heading: JAMAICAN PROVERBS THAT OUR ANCESTORS TAUGHT US, we defined a proverb (which comes from the Latin word proverbium) in any language – including Jamaican Patois – as a simple and concrete saying that is popularly known and repeated and expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experiences of humanity.
In addition to one hundred and eighty-nine (189) Jamaican Proverbs that were published in Volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the Association’s Newsletters, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to list the following sixteen (16) additional Jamaican Proverbs for the information and consideration of all Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, and Well-wishers and other readers of its newsletter in Jamaica and the Diaspora:
You can’t waste powder pon black bud
Who de cap fit, let dem wear it
Ask me no question, tell you no lie
It does not matter how long a pig try to hide himself under sheep wool, his
grunt always betray him
When man belly full im bruck pot
Plantain ripe can’t tun green again
He who pays the Piper should not be the one who call the tune
When belly full potato hab skin
Alligator lay egg but im no fowl
Cockroach no business in a fowl fight
You neba see lane without turning
Ebrey stinking fish hab im buyer
You no fe count you chicken before dem hatch
You no fe throw way de baby wid de bath water
You no fe tek poison and depend pon busy
ERECTION OF UNPAINTED PLY-BOARD PARTITION IN THE MAIN AUDITORIUM AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL
In the pursuance of comments listed on page 9 of 14 of Volume 7 of BOSA Newsletter regarding the above subject matter, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that as a result of pussy-footing by Ministry of Education Technocrats Errol Golding, Director of Technical Services, Courtney Hamilton, Regional Building Officer, Bertram Brooks, Area Building Supervisor, and Collin Blair, Director of Communications, the issue remains unresolved and inimical to all Stakeholders in the Beersheba Primary School Community. notwithstanding the assurance given by the Board of Governors Beersheba Primary School which met at a meeting that was chaired by Mrs. Nadine Leachman, Regional Director, Region 5, Ministry of Education that the Board would handle and resolve the matter, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that this outstanding matter remains unresolved.
BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS OF BOSA
Arising from two occurrences when Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) was unable to gain access to the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) – although the Association sought written permission from Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams and Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Principal of the School and Chairman of the School Board respectively to hold its meeting – the Association was forced to seek permission from the Pastor, Beersheba Moravian Church to hold its bi-monthly general meeting on November 13, 2013 in the church.
In accordance with the unanimous decision that was taken at the meeting that was held on November 13, 2013, written permission has been sought from The Salvation Army Carr Corp to hold bi-monthly general meetings of the Association in the church hall effective Friday, January 10, 2014 commencing at 4PM.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record, its profound gratitude to James “Dick” Richards (1872 – 1965) Beersheba Elementary Moravian Church School Alumnus, for his insight and philanthropy in donating money to purchase land and to erect the first wooden building that housed the Salvation Army Carr Corp where the new concrete building is located. The Association also wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Envoy Glenis Smith and other officers of the church for willingly granting permission for BOSA to hold its bi-monthly general meeting in the church hall.
FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH BOSA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
BOSA Members, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and other Beersheba Primary School Old Students who have not yet heard but who through the help of other Old Students, and this News Letter, will be made aware of BOSA existence and the work that the Association has been doing in the interest and welfare of students at Beersheba Primary School, are urged to make Checks/Cheques/Money Orders for their generous financial contribution to BOSA Scholarship Fund payable to BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION and is to be mailed to the Association at 99 Jacaranda Avenue, Flat Rocks Subdivision, Black River P.O., Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies Another most cost effective method for persons named herein to send their generous financial contribution to the association is to use MONEYGRAM MONEY TRANSFER which should be sent to the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association at the Association’s indicated herein. The name and mailing or e-mail address of the Sender, and Reference/Control Number, amount that will be sent of the money that will be transferred should be called in to the Secretary/Treasurer at telephone numbers: 1-876-634-2410, 1-876-919-0456, 1-876-297-1515 or e-mailed to the Association’s e-mail address: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com All donations received will be promptly acknowledged in writing on BOSA official letter head.
Persons living in Jamaica, West Indies may deposit their generous financial contribution to BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Savings Account No. 4410317200298396 at any Branch of RBC Bank Jamaica Limited and advise the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association when this has been done so that such contributions may be promptly acknowledged in writing. Likewise, persons who reside outside of Jamaica in London, England, may send their generous financial contribution to the Jacaranda Ave address.
MEET THE ACHIEVERS AND TRAILBLAZERS
No profile has been received from any Beersheba primary School (Government Leased) Alumnus/Alumna; consequently, there is nothing to report under this heading in this newsletter.
Editor’s Note: If Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora would like to see themselves being featured under this heading, Alumni who have not yet responded to appeals made in BOSA Newsletters to send the Editor/Producer their curriculum vitae, academic, and communal profile as an attachment to the Association’s e-mail address: beershebaoldstudentsassn.@gmail.com as soon as possible so that they can be published in Volume 18 as well ads future Volumes of the Newsletter..
RESOLUTION TO RENAME BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL JAMES RICHARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
As a result of the above subject matter being thoroughly discussed with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in a meeting that was held at the Ministry’s Head Office in Kingston, Jamaica west Indies on March 13, 2013, and the matter being given full support by the Saint Elizabeth Parish Council, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is hopeful that with the full backing of the entities named herein, the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) will acquiesce to meet with BOSA so that in the same way that Bob Marley Foundation has succeeded in getting cabinet approval for Hon. Robert “Bob” Nester Marley alma mater to be named after him, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) will also get Cabinet approval to rename James Richards alma mater, Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) after him.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that this subject matter was discussed at the meeting that was held in the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) between the School Board Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) and the Association on December 4, 2013. The Chairman of the School Board Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour – a Moravian and member of the decision making body in the Moravian Church pertaining to educational matters – informed the meeting
that notwithstanding consensus reached by stakeholders in Beersheba School Community that the school should be renamed, the decision of the Moravian Church in Jamaica which she will communicate to the Association in writing is that the name of the school will not be changed despite philanthropic contributions that James “Dick” Richards, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist, Icon, and Legend has made to the school.
The big issue that will have to be resolved by Cabinet or the Courts in the Government of Jamaica is whether or not the Moravian Church as a Protestant Denomination has the inalienable right to ignore the voice of the majority of stakeholders in Beersheba School Community and in so doing, deny the greatest good to the greatest number.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that up to the date and time of Volume 17 of BOSA Newsletter being published, the Association has not received any written response from the Moravian Church in Jamaica as promised by Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) stating that the name of the school will not be changed despite philanthropic contributions that James “Dick” Richards have made to his alma mater.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS (SCHOOL BOARD) BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, (GOVERNMENT LEASED) NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH, JAMAICA, WEST INDIES
The National Council on Education (NCE) has published the names of the following persons whom the Honourable Minister of Education has appointed to serve on the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government School), New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies:
Chairman: Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour
Principal: Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams
Academic Member: Mrs. Naomi Foster-Brooks
PTA Member: Nickesha Lawrence
Community Member: Mr. Valdes Hamilton
Member 1: Mrs. Karen Walker
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS THAT ARE WORTHWHILE PONDERING
The correct way in which philanthropy should be made
Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before man, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues (chapels or places of worship) and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you speedily.
In continuation of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rebukes religious ostentation and the shallow practice of ceremonial reform. (Matthew 6:1-4, NKJV)
HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF AS SCHEDULED YOU ARRIVED TO DO YOUR PRESENTATION AND NO ONE TURNED UP?
The story is told that one cold winter night, Musical Composer Johann Sebastian Bach was scheduled to debut a new composition. He arrived at the chapel expecting it to be full. Conversely, he learned that no one had come. Without missing a beat, Bach told his musicians that they would still perform as planned. The musicians took their places; Bach raised his baton and soon the empty chapel was filled with magnificent music!
WHAT IS IT THAT TURNS DAILY DUTY INTO WORSHIP AND SERVICE?
Words do not have to be many to be meaningful. Influence is more than lofty acts and words. It can be a simple matter of human helpfulness: being present, listening, understanding the need, loving and praying. This is what turns daily duty into worship and service.
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“No amount of money can replace loving parents and care in a child’s life.”
President Barack Obama speaking at the launching of Economic Promise Zones at the White House, Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2014. Economic Promise Zones are intended to reduce poverty and to ensure that children’s future is not determined by Zip Codes from which they come but hard work that they are prepared to do.
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“It doesn’t escape me one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s and so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey, for her guidance.”
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Kenyan born Lupita Nyong’o 31 years, winner of Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 12 years a slave, as she tearfully addressed the audience in Los Angeles, USA on Sunday, March 2, 2014 as she paid homage to Patsey the character whom she played in the film. Nyong’o told the audience that although Patsey picked more cotton than anyone else, she suffered at the hands of her besotted yet evil master.
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BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (BOSA) HOME-COMING AND STUDENTS REUNION
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has not received any feedback, comment, and/or suggestion since the above subject matter was promulgated and thoroughly discussed in Volume 13 page 12 of 12 in its Newsletter, April 2013.
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF HAMILTON, BERMUDA TO VISIT JAMAICA IN 2014
In the pursuance of information that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) provided tom its readers on page 8 of 10 and 9 of 10 under the above heading in Volume 15 of its newsletter, October 2013, as well as on page 7 of 11 in Volume 16 of its newsletter January 2014, the Association wishes to provide its readers with the following update that came out of meetings of the Saint Elizabeth-Bermuda Engagement Committee appointed by His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman saint Elizabeth Parish Council Councillor Everton Fisher that was held at the Mayor’s Parlour on February 17, 2014:
Persons present at the meeting that was presided over by Mayor Fisher were: Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman School Board Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased), Shawn Taylor, Director of Planning, Saint Elizabeth Parish Council, Yvonne Comrie, Community Activist, Anthony Tatham, present owner of “Del Cottage” property, Carr District on which James “Dick” Richards built a house for his brother “Doxie “ Gayle and his wife “Sister Gally” and a rain water tank to provide water to his brother’s household and people in the impoverished, poverty stricken, peasant farming community, Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer, Beersheba Old Students Association, and Kenneth Mullings, Superintendent Roads and Works, Saint Elizabeth Parish Council.
Prior to the Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda participating in BLACK RIVER DAY that will be held on August 1, 2014, the Mayor will on July 31, 2014, visit Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased), Carr District – birthplace of James “Dick” Richards, and “Del Cottage” where he will unveil Story Boards in commemoration of James “Dick” Richards – “Bermuda King” The Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda will attend the Cultural Extravaganza that will be held at Carr Gate, New savannah.
The Cultural Extravaganza at Carr Gate will feature cultural items from students at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased), John Cuno, Quadrille Dance, and May Pole Dancing, and stalls in which items produced in Cottage Industries in the Community will be displayed.
The Cultural Extravaganza will also feature indigenous Jamaican Cuisine that will be on sale by Sheryl’s Bar and Grill, South Coast Rest Stop Restaurant, and other vendors in the community.
In view of non-cooperation and unwillingness of the current owner of the property in Carr District where James “Dick” Richards was born, the Story board that will be unveiled by the Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda, will be mounted at the entrance to Carr District on land on the right hand side embankment of National Works Agency Bye Pass Road that interacts with Beersheba/Flint Valley Parochial Road. The unwillingness of the family at Carr District, who own the land where James “Dick” Richards was born, is tantamount to the manner in which the Inn-Keeper in Bethlehem treated Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world. Mary who was in labour with the Christ Child was turned away by the Inn-Keeper saying there is no room in the inn.
All Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, and Well-wishers in Jamaica and the Diaspora and stakeholders in Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Community are all invited to attend and participate in events announced herein so as to ensure that they identify themselves with the rich legacy and heritage that James “Dick” Richards who rose from being an impoverished , poverty stricken native of the peasant farming Carr District to become one of the wealthiest black man in Bermuda has left his beloved community of Carr District.
IMPORTANT UPDATE WITH RESPECT TO THE VISIT OF THE MAYOR OF HAMILTON, BERMUDA TO BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED), CARR DISTRICT COMMUNITY
As a result of the following e-mail message dated March 19, 2014 that Beersheba Old students Association (BOSA) has received from The Deputy Mayor of Black River, Vice Chairman Saint Elizabeth Parish Council, and Member Parish Council for Black River Parochial Division Councillor Mordant Mitchell, the Association is unable to say with certainty when The Mayor of Hamilton, Bermuda will visit Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased), Carr Community until it receives further information from the Saint Elizabeth Parish Council:
Quote: “My understanding as it regards to the dates for the celebration of Black River Day 2014 is that the celebratory and economic activities will begin on the Thursday, July 31, 2014. However at mid-night, Friday August 1, 2014 the proclamation will be read by His Worship The Mayor of Black River Councillor. Everton Fisher to official declare the day. This was due to the first Friday in August 2014 being a public holiday. Therefore the economic activities will be accommodated on the previous day to facilitate the sponsors who would not normally be open for business on a public holiday.” Unquote
THE ELESA HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP THAT WAS ANNOUNCED A THE MEETING OF BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) PTA THAT WAS HELD AT THE SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to inform its readers, that none of the sixteen students at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) who sat the Ministry of Education Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in 2013 met the criteria that would qualify them to benefit from The Elesa Hamilton Scholarship.
Parents and other Stakeholders are urged to take active interest in the welfare of students who attend Beersheba Primary School so as to ensure that they will be able to meet and satisfy the criteria set by the
Hamilton Family that manages and makes disbursements from the Scholarship Fund to qualified beneficiaries.
ANNUAL BOSA BACK TO SCHOOL STUDENTS DINNER
The Annual Beersheba Old students Association (BOSA) Back to School Students Dinner will be held at Gold Spoon Restaurant, Intown Plaza, School Street, Black River, Jamaica West Indies on Saturday, August 9, 2014 commencing at 2:00 PM.
All Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends and Well-wishers in Jamaica and the Diaspora are asked to make their generous financial contributions to defray the cost of the event. Financial Contributions should be sent to Beersheba Old students association (BOSA) as per information that is given under Fund Raising Activities in this current Newsletter.
Seating is limited and is based on a first come first serve basis. Persons who would like to attend and participate in the event, should send in their financial contributions and inform Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) that they will attend the dinner.
BEEN THINKING ABOUT SAMSON AND JESUS – MART DEHAAN, RADIO BIBLE CLASS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, USA, FEBRUARY 2013
Samson is one of the most interesting people in the Bible. Like the Philistine goliath, he’s remembered for his legendary physical strength. After killing a lion with his bare hands, he took on a whole army with the jawbone of a donkey and. In his last act, he pushed down the pillars of a huge temple. (Judges 13-16)
Samson is one of the most tragic and mysterious heroes of the Bible. His greatest achievement was also his last. Ruined by a lifetime of short-sighted choices, he ended up being tortured by his enemies for the harm he had done to them. With eyes gouged out, he cried out to the God of Israel and in a last gasp of self-destruction, accomplished more in death than he had in his life.
Samson’s ending seems to defy the messianic anticipation that preceded his birth. According to Judges, an angel appeared to a childless couple and told them they were going to have a son who would begin to deliver their people from their enemies. (Judges 13:1-5) The angel told the couple that they were to raise this special son as one dedicated to the Lord. In accordance with the Nazarite Vow of Dedication (Numbers 6:1-21), their son’s hair was never to be cut. In preparation for his birth, his mother was also told to avoid any fruit of the vine, all unclean food, and any fermented drink.
The mysterious nature of the angel must have added to the couple’s wonder and anticipation. When the husband asked for the messenger’s name, the angel said, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.” Judges 13:18, NIV) The angel then went up in a flame of fire, leaving the couple with the impression that they had been in the presence of God. (Judges 13:20-22)
In the days and years that followed, the couple must have wondered if they’d been chosen to be the parents of the long-anticipated Deliverer of God’s people. (Genesis 3:15) But Sampson’s story doesn’t end the way it began. The first thing we hear about him as he emerged from childhood does not seem to fit the messianic hope. A young headstrong Sampson soon alarmed and disappointed his parents by finding among the Philistines a woman that he insisted on marrying. When the marriage ended in disaster, Sampson showed no change of heart. With no apparent shame, he spent the night with a prostitute in Gaza, and eventually moved in with another Philistine by the name of Delilah. She ended up being Samson’s undoing when his enemies used her to discover the secret of his supernatural strength.
Samson’s parents had every reason to be confused and heartbroken. Certainly, their son was special. He possessed a strength that broke the grip and pride of Israel’s enemies. But why would his life is marked by such willful indulgent, and self-destructive ways? What happened to the Messiah-like aura that preceded
his birth? (Judges 13) The answer might startle us. Now that the hope of the ages has come in Jesus, there seems to be echoes of Samson in one of the most unlikely of comparisons.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SAMSON AND JESUS
Their births were announced by an angel
They were both born to be deliverers of Israel
They were dedicated to the Lord at birth
They were born to deliver their people from their enemies
They died tragic deaths
They accomplished more in death than in the days of their lives
Such comparisons might make us uncomfortable because 0f what we know about the scandals of Samson. But like so many other parallels in the Old Testament that foreshadow the coming of God’s Messiah, the point is not only in their comparisons but also in the contrasts.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAMSON AND JESUS
Samson was born with God’s help to a childless couple, Jesus was born of a virgin
Samson’s life mingled the purposes of God with human weakness and sin, Jesus lived without sin
Samson loved women to their harm; Jesus loved women and men for their good.
Samson died for his own sins. Jesus died for the sins of others.
Samson’s accomplishments were temporary, Jesus’ were eternal
What emerges is a wisdom and love that are greater than our sin. Now we can better understand the mystery of the messenger who announced Samson’s birth. The God who was providing a partial national deliverance through a sinful strong man was giving a foretaste of the full and complete salvation that would one day be won by His Son. Our God is not limited by our failures. By His eternal plan to provide a perfect sacrifice and Saviour; He made it possible to use and to honour the faith of someone as weak as Samson. (Hebrews 11:32)
Editor’s Note: We wish to remind our readers that as part of its vision to contribute to a paper free environment as well as to use Information Technology (IT) to minimize cost, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) will no longer circulate its Newsletters by Post Office and hand delivery. Effective immediately, BOSA Newsletters will be sent as e-mail attachments to persons whose e-mail addresses are in BOSA data base and they will also be posted simultaneously on its website: http://bosaonline.org on publication.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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