I grew up the eldest of five competitive sons. My brothers can't engage in any sport without a wager, for example when fishing they bet on who will catch the first fish, biggest fish, and most fish. If nothing else, they will conduct an arm wrestling tournament. My brothers spend a lot of time in the gym. They have broad shoulders and bulging biceps. When they arm wrestle you can hear the grunts, see the perspiration, determination and bulging right arms.

I quickly learned that I could not out-muscle my brothers, several of whom outweigh me by fifty pounds. When arm wrestling I learned to let my wrist go limp. It counters their strength and mechanical advantage.

The Bible speaks several times of the power of God's right arm. The people of Israel extolled God's right arm when they crossed through the sea on dry ground and the walls of water returned to their place drowning Pharaoh's army.

During Lent we celebrate God's right arm, but not his bulging muscle.

Instead, we marvel at its apparent weakness. Isaiah 53 says the arm of the Lord has been revealed in the "suffering servant." There was nothing about him that would commend him to us. He was despised and rejected by men. However, the author says that "the Servant" was wounded for our transgressions and we are healed by his stripes. Christians believe the "suffering servant" refers to Jesus, the Christ. During Lent we remember what he endured for us.

Victory rose out of defeat. Life grew out death.