My friend Linda and I were on a walk praying for the nation of Canada. As a prophetic act we released leaves into water representing “healing for the nations” spoken of in the Book of Revelation:

“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2 NIV)

We prayed that racial divides and rifts in our country would be healed and Canada, together with the nations, would stream to Mount Zion and be healed and restored to God and one another.

Afterwards we were attracted to the shrubs that lined the path around the lake. Though it was late fall, their leaves were still green and clusters of red berries filled the branches. It was in stark contrast to the barren trees and leaves that were laying on the ground.

We were drawn to the clusters of bright red berries on the shrubs. Linda shared that the berries were being impressed upon her as representing the Indigenous People of Canada. I could see that she was deeply moved by this as she began to pray.

It is well-known that the culture of this people group is reflected through creation. Many of their traditional medicines come from leaves of trees, berries and other plants.

The green leaves on the shrubs symbolized life remaining in them despite the desolation they felt.  The berries spoke of the fruit yet to be born as God was going to move through them.

Jesus is the “real medicine” they needed for healing. He is the “true vine” that would restore them as they looked to Christ and laid hold of His word.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)

The juice extracted from the berries spoke of the the blood of Christ that spilled out on the cross from the Lord’s pierced hands and feet to heal our wounds. The blood dripping down His body is the true medicine that heals brokenness and restores our relationship with God.

The impression we received is that there was more healing for them and that Christ was the true medicine that heals from the inside out.

The shrubs, with their green leaves and bright red berries, were prophetically declaring healing, restoration and life in the days to come.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV)