The season of Eastertide is a season of hope. Mostly that hope is filled with a special mystery.
Somewhere I read a story about an ad that appeared in the classified section of a large city newspaper. In big, bold letters, it read: “USED TOMBSTONE FOR SALE.” Underneath was this description, “Used tombstone for sale. Real bargain to someone named ‘Dingo.’ For more information, call…”
Wouldn’t you love to know about Dingo? Who was he, and why did he no longer have need for a tombstone?
Eastertide brings an incredible, mysterious hope. The first sermon I ever preached (while still a college senior) was on the text from 1 Peter: “Always be prepared to give an account for the hope that is in you.” (3:15) The sermon was undoubtedly a jumbled 
mess, but the message in the text remains solid and relational.
Paul writes in Romans, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (15:12)
As followers of Jesus, we are beacons of hope. Not just in hope for eternal life with God, but also with the hope Jesus taught about Kingdom living here and now.
I become increasingly sad and frustrated by the barrage of negativity in the current political campaign. Things are terrible and will get much worse—unless, of course, you elect ____________ president.” We as Christians are beacons of a durable hope for God’s Kingdom of justice and peace, and for the hope beyond “which no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor mind conceived.”
Years ago, I arranged a three-night preaching series in my church on the topic, “If you had but one sermon to preach, what would be the theme?” I believe my theme would be on the Christian mystery and power of indefatigable hope.