Over the years, we have seen dribbles of blessing in various spots across Canada but I feel we’re drawing close to the fulfillment of the prophetic word that several people have seen, heard and confirmed. In no way am I saying that I or Northside Church are central to the flow of fresh water, but I do feel strongly that we will have a servant part in the coming wave.
It will be interesting to see the outcome of the forthcoming national election in Canada. Will our politicians be a door or a dam in the spiritual river that is beginning to trickle across our nation?
I see Ezekiel 47:1-12 as an age old but exceedingly accurate picture of what’s about to happen:
“Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faced east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar.
He brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by way of the gate that faces east. And behold, water was trickling from the south side.
When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water reaching the ankles.
Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the loins.
Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded.
He said to me, 'Son of man, have you seen this?' Then he brought me back to the bank of the river.
Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
Then he said to me, ‘These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh.
It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.
And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be a place for the spreading of nets Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, very many.
But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.
By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.’”
The overflow, fruitfulness, and healing is coming. We have to be very careful that we don’t become a swamp (v. 12). Notice that the same water flows into the swamp as through the river. The only difference is that the swamp had no outflow.
My friendship with pastors in Quebec has helped me to understand Canada’s responsibilities to reach the Quebecois with the Gospel. My perception is that the church, as a whole, has failed badly in the province where Christianity first took a foot hold under Jacque Cartier and Samuel de Champlain over 300 years ago. We not only owe the Francophones a sincere apology, but also owe them a spiritual debt. My heart is expanding to include Quebec as a part of our church vision.As you know, I spent a great deal of time travelling last year, in particular, to our conference in Atlantic Canada. I’ve spoken with pastors, lay people, and media personnel and I’ve seen God’s hand drawing us together in unity. A feeling of excitement fills my being. I am eager to see the vision fulfilled.
Barry
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