Book Review – Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life by Shane Wood

The intricate challenge of reconciling a loving God’s profound desire to transform sinful humans within a fallen world presents a dilemma of great magnitude. In his work, Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life, Shane Wood describes both the complexity of this predicament and highlights the solution. At the heart of this issue lies God’s unwavering expectation of perfection and obedience—a standard that, regrettably, Adam and Eve failed to meet at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the idyllic Garden of Eden. Consequently, we find ourselves poised in a state of eager anticipation, yearning for the forthcoming opportunity to partake in the second tree—the Tree of Life. Meanwhile, God steadfastly attends to the repercussions of our actions, diligently undertaking the transformative task of shaping us into individuals who are prepared to embrace true life.

In Wood’s theory, the crux of this issue is that we have chosen to create a union with death that precludes a complete union with God. The crucial question now arises: How can we disentangle ourselves from this detrimental choice and reorient our path towards establishing a meaningful union with God, thereby unlocking the fullness of true life?

This union with death encompasses many implications, many of which deal with fear. Between Two Trees plays with the idea that we fear the light, finding sinful behavior more logical and enticing than goodness. Moreover, the fear of scarcity engulfs us, leaving us besieged by anxiety. It is observed that evil and deception are completely dependent on goodness and truth. Evil and deception can only distort, but can never create. As I read the book, I found it even more fascinating to ponder the idea that God creates through separation. He separates the light from the darkness. He separates the Israelites from their neighbors. Without separation, life, love, intimacy, and beauty lose their meaning. Separation is not necessarily destruction, evil, or something to fear!

In order to forge a profound union between humanity and himself, God undertakes the pivotal task of severing our prevailing bond with death. This transformative process is facilitated through the remarkable repurposing of Jesus’ death, which serves as a catalyst for redemption and renewed life, harmoniously aligning God and humanity once again. One particularly enlightening chapter of the book delves into the subject of sex as a model of divine union. Within this context, it becomes evident that casual or inappropriate sexual relationships parallels the inherent connection between humanity and death. Conversely, when we contemplate the context of a committed and sacred union between a husband and wife, we catch a glimpse of the profound unity between God and His people.

Wood’s book then explores the profound process of transformation that unfolds once we open our lives to Jesus. It illuminates the reality that our journey towards becoming a new person with transformed behavior is not an instantaneous phenomenon. Much like a committed marriage relationship, this spiritual connection acts as a mirror to our souls, revealing both our virtues and flaws. Embracing a relationship with Jesus prompts the emergence of our finest qualities while also unearthing our shortcomings. This holy transformation entails a dual process of recognizing and preserving the good within us, while simultaneously drawing out and eliminating the negative aspects. It is through this intricate interplay that we truly experience the transformative power of divine influence in our lives.

What is truly astonishing is that God respects our autonomy, seeking our permission rather than coercing us into becoming better individuals. He stands at the door of our hearts, patiently knocking, allowing us the freedom to choose. Will we wholeheartedly embrace our union with Christ and strive for personal growth, or will we succumb to the clutches of our union with death? Each decision we make propels us further down one path or the other. In this arduous journey, we inevitably encounter setbacks, pain, uncertainty, and fear. However, we find solace in the unwavering presence of Jesus, who walks alongside us every step of the way. Ultimately, our hearts yearn for authentic humanity, which finds its ultimate embodiment in the person of Christ. This book offers remarkable chapters that explore the significance of choice, the transformative power of being in Christ’s presence, and the profound change that arises when we act upon our virtuous decisions in togetherness with him.

God’s unfathomable grace propels Him towards us, while our faith compels us to draw nearer to God. It is in this divine dance of movement that a profound union awaits us. In that sacred union, we will partake in the bountiful fruit of the Tree of Life. It is crucial to remember that when God utters the words, “Not now,” it is not an eternal denial but rather an invitation to hold onto hope. We can trust in the transformative power of God’s grace, believing that it will lead us to a state of wholeness and completeness in our relationship with Him.

If these topics interest you, please consider reading Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life by Shane Wood!