Like the passage in Colossians, the resurrection story in Matthew 28 begins with a light source: a dawning. I like this example because it seems to show when the kingdom transfer began. Let’s compare it to Revelation 1.

Light of Revelation

It begins to dawn on the first day of the week. The dawning is a rising, like a light of revelation. It takes place on the “first day.”

Now, I may be reading too much into this, but I believe this story begins on the first day of a new creation. A day of eternity. The Colossians passages we just read seems to support this notion, as Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God. The creation is his. The day is his. The Revelation is his.

Come and See

Two women named Mary come to see the tomb. In a few verses, the angel will point out they did not in fact come to see the tomb. They came seeking Jesus, the invisible God.

The name “Mary Magdalene” has a powerful meaning. Mary means, “Rebellion.” Not, I believe, as in those who rebel against God. Rather, those who rebel against Satan and the ways of this world. “Magdalene” means “tower” or watchtower.”

In other words, two women named “Rebellion” and “Rebellion Watchtower” come seeking Jesus who is supposed to be dead.

The symbolism with the invisible place in Revelation 1 is this: I believe the old, the tomb, is beginning to fade away. The new is beginning to come, like a new kingdom. One that is invisible, yet very real, for those who seek him.

Inner Door

There is a great earthquake, and we’ll soon see why. It would appear that earthquakes come when one passes from the eternal into the physical. Or, the physical into the eternal. Like the earthquake of the resurrection scene. Like the sending of an angel in Revelation 1.

A messenger is coming, but cannot yet be seen.

Main Door

An angel, a messenger, descends from heaven, rolls away the stone and sits upon it in the resurrection story. I mentioned in the previous example I believe this represents Christ’s throne on earth.

The angel looks like lightning, with clothing as white as snow. The angel looks like Jesus. As do we, in his eyes. The angel carries the word and testimony of Jesus.

It suggests that those who carries his words within them, are made like him. Like lightning, with clothing as white as snow.

Blessed

God’s words have power. Guards shake and become like dead men. Blessed are those who hear his words, who receive his Spirit. Satan has no power over such as these.

The angel ignores the guards and speaks to the women, the servants of Christ: “Do not be afraid.”

Come Near

I know you seek Jesus, whose Kingdom has come near.

In fact, the Kingdom is standing right in front of them. In the form of an angel, who looks like Christ. Who is a fellow bondservant and brother of those who keep the words of the prophesy of the book.

He Has Risen

The resurrection story continues: He is not here for he has risen, just like he said. I think the striking part of this verse is the reference to “here.” Jesus is not there, in or near the tomb. He stands, resurrected, in the middle of the seven churches of Revelation 1.

They are the churches of rising, a new kingdom, a resurrection. This is where the String began, with a dawning on a new day. Translated from the power of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Son of his love.

Old and New

Strings work just as well with the Old Testament as the New. A great example is the Fall from Eden passage in Genesis 3. Let’s take a look. Click the right arrow or the “Tree of Life” link below.