Gran Torino is a film directed by Clint Eastwood that was released in 2008. The film tells the story of Walt Kowalski, an elderly Korean War veteran living in a rapidly changing neighborhood in Detroit. Kowalski is a gruff and isolated man, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife and the changes in his neighborhood.
One of the main themes in Gran Torino is the concept of racism and prejudice. Kowalski is a racist man who has a deep hatred for the Hmong people who have recently moved into his neighborhood. He makes derogatory comments about them and refers to them as "gooks." However, as the film progresses, Kowalski begins to form a relationship with Thao, a young Hmong boy who lives next door. Through this relationship, Kowalski begins to see the Hmong people in a different light and starts to understand the impact of his own prejudices.
Another important theme in the film is the concept of redemption. Kowalski is a bitter and angry man who has lost touch with his family and the world around him. However, through his relationship with Thao and the Hmong community, Kowalski begins to see the value in compassion and understanding. He comes to realize that he has been holding onto his anger and hatred for far too long and that it is time for him to let go.
One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Kowalski makes the decision to stand up to a group of Hmong gang members who are trying to force Thao to join their gang. Kowalski puts himself in harm's way to protect Thao and the Hmong community, showing that he has truly changed and is willing to put aside his own prejudices to do what is right.
Overall, Gran Torino is a powerful film that deals with themes of racism, prejudice, and redemption. It is a poignant reminder that it is never too late to change and that understanding and compassion can go a long way in healing the wounds of the past.
Psalm 133 (KJV)
This song was especially relevant for pilgrims travelling together to Jerusalem. Since we will have life forevermore with the people of God, we should work hard to enjoy unity with them now. Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, Which ran down to the skirt of his garment: It is like the precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down upon the skirt of his garments; It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down on the edge of his robes; As the good oil on the head, Coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, That cometh down on the skirt of his robes,. May all who love the Lord forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings numerous as the drops of dew. Spiritually speaking, this anointing made that possible.
This psalm was penned by David, as some think when all the tribes of Israel united and chose and anointed him king over them, 2Sa 5:1-3; but, according to others, when the rebellion of his son Absalom was quelled, and all the tribes of Israel strove who should first bring back the king, and show the greatest zeal and loyalty to him, 2Sa 19:9,10,14; Theodoret supposes it to be prophetic, and to have respect to the union of the tribes after the Babylonish captivity, who had been disunited in the times of Rehoboam, but now were no more two nations and kingdoms, but one; see Eze 37:16-22; and others carry it further still, even to the first times of the Gospel, when the Christians were of one heart and of one soul, Ac 4:32; it may indeed be applied to any community, civil or religious, that is in peace and unity: and no doubt the design of David was to promote peace and harmony among his subjects; and love and affection in his family, among his children, brethren one of another, and of Solomon; who was to be his heir and successor, and under whose government it would be well for them to live peaceably and quietly. Not the love which comes and goes, but that which dwells; not that spirit which separates and secludes, but that which dwells together; not that mind which is all for debate and difference, but that which dwells together in unity. How good and how pleasant: Not everything that is good is pleasant, and not everything that is pleasant is good. Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil.
The LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore: The blessing of unity is something God commands, something the previously cited New Testament passages teach John 17:20-23, Ephesians 1:9-10, Romans 12:18. It will charm you into imitation, therefore note it well! See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing. Behold: Psalm 133 begins with an exhortation to behold — that is, to take notice. God commands the blessing; man can but beg a blessing. · Service unto God and His people. The excellency of brotherly love.
Psalm 133:2 KJV: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
It also shows that unity is a rare and precious blessing, because the suggestion is that this was holy anointing oil, which was not to be imitated Exodus 30:22-33. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. This was done to refresh the one receiving the oil, and to give a good smell from the fragrance that came from the perfumed oils. For brethren to dwell together in unity: This unity is tested, because these brethren dwell together. God commands the blessing; man can but beg a blessing.
PSALMS 119:133 KJV "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me."
This is a unity of holiness. The Blessings of Brotherly Unity 133 1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together 2It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. It moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. . To dwell together means the bonds of unity and peace will be at times tested.
Thus, from the glory of His exaltation Jesus drops the dew of the Holy Spirit as blessing upon the lowlands of our life — that blessing which is life forevermore. Running down on the edge of his garments: What an abundant blessing unity is! The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil. Communion of saints is the next happiness upon earth to communion with God. The pilgrims came from many different walks of life, regions, and tribes, as they gathered for one purpose: the worship of the Lord in Jerusalem. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. Complete the form below to register Error: That Email is already registered Error: Please provide a valid Email Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters Error: Passwords do not match Error: Please provide a valid first name Error: That username is already taken Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. In Jerusalem their unity would be displayed and enjoyed.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It may be seen, for it is the characteristic of real saints — therefore fail not to inspect it! It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. It is well worthy of admiration; pause and gaze upon it! This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. It is like the dew of Hermon: King David used a second word picture to show how wonderful unity is among the people of God.
Either way, it was an impressive flow of oil. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. When the people of God struggle with each other, there are so many other good things they are not doing and enjoying. In many ways it is easier to have some kind of unity with those distant. God intended the priests to represent His righteousness and salvation to a watching world. · Offerings of peace, fellowship, and thanksgiving.
View more commentaries for this chapter:. · Atonement of sins. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity: David draws our attention to something good and pleasant — unity among the people of God. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace.
May all who love the Lord forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing— Life forevermore. The illustration is wonderful. See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing. It is also like the rich dew that covers Mount Hermon, making it green and moist.
