As Halloween approaches, something I’ve thought of for years is the existence of vampires and werewolves. Not the fictional book and Hollywood types, but the spiritual equivalents of these mythological monsters which do NOT appear in scripture. These fantastical creatures originated in early European imagination but have gained a strong foothold in modern society as evidenced by the passionate following of movies such as the Twilight series and books as old as Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
But to resonate, myths and stories must have a basis in reality. And there are indeed spiritual parallels. Beware. Vampire-like spirits residing in some people will sap your strength and attempt to drain the blood of Jesus from your life. Look at the societal attack on Christianity in today’s world. And have you spent an hour with a person whose world viewpoint and personality left you feeling more fatigued than a hard day at work?
Guard against the werewolf. Those friendly to your face may shapeshift behind your back to an enemy rending you apart with words hardened by tooth and claw. Shapes viewed with natural eyes are sometimes false. Be vigilant.
The good news is that God gives us wisdom (do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, —1 John 4:1) and protection (be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, —Eph 6:10-12). And He fights the battle for us (One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you —Josh 23:10).
Father, in Jesus’ name, we lift ourselves up to you and pray for a hedge of protection. We thank You that You are a wall of fire around us and that You have dispatched Your angels to encamp around us. We thank you for wisdom and protection against any evil. Amen.