NES - MIRACLES

I approached the wall expecting to fail, going in with an attitude of ‘it will be, what will be’. With downward momentum, I put my hands on the ground and swung my hips over my head. To my utter surprise, I felt my feet connecting with the wall. I had succeeded!

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INTRODUCTION

We all love a good story, and even more so one where good prevails over evil through a miraculous occurrence. A miracle is an elevated and elevating action from God, that is supernatural. It is an outward display of G-d’s divine providence. The most common Hebrew word for miracles is Nes. It translates as something that is raised up or elevated and speaks of miracles being comprised of two elements: trials and supernatural occurrences that save.

HE HAS ALWAYS KNOWN ME

Since I remember, I have been athletically above average compared to others. I always considered it immense luck, since I did not struggle as much as others did. Color me surprised when I realized there was one area where I did not excel - gymnastics. A loving and hating relationship was the result. You see, I absolutely loved watching it, but failed to do well in it. So when in PE, it was time for gymnastics, I was not so excited. 

One memory stands out more than others. Back then, I did not put much thought into it, but now I see it as a sign of God’s love. It was in middle school, and we were learning and practicing headstands against the wall. No matter how hard I tried, I never managed to succeed. Examination day came, and I was not expecting any different. 

I approached the wall expecting to fail, going in with an attitude of ‘it will be, what will be’. With downward momentum, I put my hands on the ground and swung my hips over my head. To my utter surprise, I felt my feet connecting with the wall. I had succeeded! Utterly surprised I was. And even more so befuddled. ‘How did I manage?’ I wondered. Soon, I forgot about the event. I was an atheist back then. But years down the road and this memory has been springing up every once in a while. God has always watched over me. Even before I ever knew Him, He knew me. 

MIRACLES

There is nothing more exciting than listening to the accounts of miraculous events that have occurred throughout history. The most notable happen to be the 10 plagues recorded by the Israelites during their exodus, and other accounts from the Bible. Varying from big to small, miracles have always been a sign of a higher presence looking over the affairs of mankind. 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the following definition for miracles. A miracle is:

1. An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

2. An extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment. 3

3. Christian Science: a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law (2)

NES - HEBREW WORD FOR MIRACLES

The most common Hebrew word for miracles is Nes. It translates as something that is raised up or elevated. (3) 

A miracle is an elevated and elevating action from God, that is supernatural. It is an outward display of G-d’s divine providence. (3, 4) Since the word nes can also be translated as the sail of a boat, miracles can be seen as the driving force controlling which way the boat is traveling. (4)

THE MEANING HIDDEN IN THE LETTERS

There is a deeper meaning hidden in the letters of the word nes. Rabbi Yehudah Prero said the following in his article The Meaning of Miracles. 

The word “nes” is a short one. It is composed of two letters: “nun” and “samech.” The letter “nun,” as the Talmud states, represents downfall, suffering, and misfortune. The letter “samech,” which in the alphabet, and in the word “nes,” follows “nun,” represents uplifting, salvation, and redemption. (4)

A miracle is a combination of trials and tribulations and the supernatural occurrences that rescue us from impossible situations. It is a reminder of the ups and downs in life and the role that G-d has. (4)

THE WONDEROUS AND MIRACULOUS EVENTS SURROUNDING US

What many of us consider perfectly normal is, in all reality, quite miraculous and supernatural. Just consider the amazing occurrences in nature. Since we are exposed to it daily, we fail to see just how wondrous it all is. 

Extraordinary miracles wake us up to the fact that all of life, down to the minute details, is one big miracle. And some claim that the biggest ones are those that the recipients are not even aware of. 

CONCLUSION

Miracles are a sign of God’s divine providence. They are a supernatural and elevating display of God’s power. The Hebrew word for miracles is nes, which in its structure hides the two aspects of each miracle: the trial and the supernatural occurrences that help one to overcome. 

Application

During this week, catalogue one miracle that God will bless you with. 

SOURCES

1. Image created via canva.com

2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Miracle. Available at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle

3. Shmary Brownstein. What is a Miracle? Available at https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1594274/jewish/What-is-a-Miracle.htm

4. Rabbi Yehudah Prero. The Meaning of Miracles. Available at https://torah.org/learning/yomtov-chanukah-vol6no10/