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Phil Robertson
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Jase Robertson
I am unashamed. What about you?
Al Robertson
Welcome back to Unashamed. I'm still in the southern lair. Chase, you're in the new studio, the new unashamed studio. And Zach is still up there in North Carolina. Zach, how are things in North Carolina?
Zach Dasher
Things are coming along, Al. We are getting back to. Well, I'll say normal. It's going to be a while, but it looks like a war zone. Okay. I can't figure out like how long it takes to clean stuff up, but it's apparently gonna take a few years.
Al Robertson
It's not like you guys didn't have quite a bit. When I got back down here, it was interesting because I came home and I missed the snow apocalypse, as they're calling it around here, because they had a snow fall so deep in the southern regions of Alabama and also southern Louisiana that it matched records that went back to the 1800s in terms of amount of snowfall. Just, it just happens. This is a. That was a once every, whatever that is, 125 year event. And what happened to me in our place here is, you know, you get back down here. By the time I got here, there was a little bit of snow left on my steps, but that by the next morning it was gone. But what happened? And Jason, I didn't know this was possible. You may know more being a fishing expert, but when I went out to my dock about maybe three days after I got back, I mean, I kept seeing this just huge congregation of brown pelicans all over my dock, my neighbor's dock, everywhere. And you know, you see them around this time of year a little bit more, but not like this. This was like a Alfred Hitchcock movie of the pelicans. And so I walked down there to find out why there's so many pelicans everywhere. And there is a. There has been a fish in the lagoon here in right behind my house. And I would say it's probably about 3 foot wide and about 6 inches deep of about half pound mullets just piled up all along the edge of the of the lagoon. So apparently, I guess the cold water, because it's shallow this time of year, I guess frozen to death. And so they just died and then washed up on the shore. Well, what happened was, as we know how nature works, that brought in the pelicans because they saw a feast. So they are taking these fish and eating them on my dock. And then as we know the digestive process of animals, they have left those fish and through the process of a brown pelican system all over my dock. So I've got a major cleanup on aisle seven that I've gotta, I've got to do before I leave down here. But I've never seen anything like it.
Zach Dasher
Circle of life.
Al Robertson
Circle of life. And most people here had never seen anything like it.
Zach Dasher
But you do have a doc. I just realized that Jason, you know, he had a doc.
Jase Robertson
I did not know he had a dock. I have a doc has deemed me a fishing expert. So I guess I should have known you had a dock.
Al Robertson
I don't.
Jase Robertson
I mean, Al, that's the first I've heard of the fishing, but I would probably think it wasn't due to them freezing.
Al Robertson
I mean, you don't think.
Jase Robertson
Well, people fish in ice holes, you know.
Al Robertson
I know, but I'm saying just the timing of it couldn't be that coincidental that right after the biggest snowfall they've had here in 125 years, all of a sudden there's this massive fish kill.
Jase Robertson
Yeah. Things happen, you know, Things happen. You. I mean, I went to get a. A downed duck on the last day of duck season and I saw two dead raccoons on my way to get the duck. Well, it wasn't because they froze to death, you know.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
I'm not sure what was going on, but I mean, I do you do see things like that in the wild. I mean, it's weird that they're calling it. What'd you call it?
Al Robertson
Snowpocalypse.
Jase Robertson
Snowpocalypse. Sounds like maybe it's global cooling.
Zach Dasher
Global cooling, yeah.
Jase Robertson
I'm going to introduce a new phrase concept for you. Maybe it'll catch on.
Zach Dasher
That's right.
Jase Robertson
Well, it is kind of weird. I mean.
Al Robertson
Yeah, it's very odd and it is. And right now we're about a week into these dead fish and let me just tell you, when you step outside, it has triggered inside my brain memories of when we used to commercial fish that I have long stored away. It's almost like a little bit of ptsd. Fish related. And I mean, I'm just like. Because it stinks. I mean, like the whole back to.
Zach Dasher
Your childhood, it took me back to my child. Your house, if I remember, because I came in from Florida during Christmas in the summertimes. And it did always have an odor of. Not the house, but the yard always had an odor of dead fish.
Al Robertson
Yeah, that's it.
Jase Robertson
Yeah. You know what my dad used to say about that? So I'll now, what would Phil say? Dasher smelled like money. I actually used that for my wife when we dated because I just said, look, not sure this is going to work out, but I just want you to know there's going to be an odor when I pick you up. And if you can train yourself to believe that that scent equates with money, yeah, we'll be way better off. So, because I've worked, I've told it. I mean, I've told this story before. On our second date, I had to go. We got. We were in to the crawfish operation at that. That point in time. And so we determined that for crawfish, which crawfish season is upon us. I'm rubbing my hands together. If you can't see, I'm excited about that. But we had to go pick up some fish heads because we equated the best bait was fresh fish. And we were having trouble keeping up with the demand of the crawfish. And so we went to the local fish market where we sold our fish. And they were like, we'll give you fish heads. And so my dad was like, hey, after you pick up your woman, or y'all doing your little date thing, pick up them fish heads at the fish market. So I told her to wait in the truck because it was embarrassing. But when I went, they were these large garbage cans full of buffalo fish heads. They were too heavy for me to actually lift. I mean, just think large. So I thought, well, I'll just go ahead and put this relationship to the test right here. Stuck my head in the door because I also my vehicle. Neither door would open. So it was awkward getting in. I mean, I was like, look, I know this is going to be awkward, but I'll turn my head. Because I didn't want her to think I'd set this up to put her in an awkward position so I could stare at her. I was like, but if you're going to go with me, you're going to climb through that window.
Al Robertson
Had she ever seen the show Dukes of Hazard days. Because that would have helped a lot.
Jase Robertson
I think she had heard of it. We actually talked about that. But I said I didn't do this on purpose. But so she, she helped me. I said, now hold your nose just like not physically because we did have that conversation. She held her nose like. No, just like hold it in your brain because I need your hands to pick up the other side of this tub of heads. And whatever you do, don't let that lid come off. But she did it. Yeah.
Al Robertson
So do you realize how much your marriage, at that point, looking back now, Jays was hanging by the proverbial thr.
Jase Robertson
Dating. We were dating.
Al Robertson
That's why I'm saying you never would have gotten to. If that top had come off and she had tripped or that bucket, that tub would have spilled on her. There would be no missing Js.
Jase Robertson
Probably so. But look, let's fast forward so two nights ago because our last podcast we did, I think I told about I got sick. I got some kind of stomach virus. But it wasn't that bad, even though it was very bad for a 24 hour period. It was just every time I turned around. But it just quickly went away. But what I didn't realize is that our annual celebration between my wife and I got postponed due to illness. And so a couple days later she was like, okay, it's sick. I got us reservations. We go to this. We don't eat out much, obviously, a couple times a year. I say obviously because it's not worth going out if you're recognized and you're trying to like celebrate something special. So do you know what we celebrate every year? It was her idea.
Al Robertson
But I go on the post ordeal.
Jase Robertson
The post ordeal. We have a duck season ending celebration.
Zach Dasher
Is this like a date, like a date night out of town or is this like a vacation?
Jase Robertson
Oh, it's not like a date night. It is a date. We go to the same restaurant every year because it's good. Which one you go to, I'm not going to tell you because they. You can barely get in this place. I mean, I had to circle the premises three times, find a parking place.
Zach Dasher
I know which one you're talking.
Al Robertson
I know exactly.
Jase Robertson
It's fantastic.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
And we actually saw some friends there and I mean it was, it was a nice little, you know, they have good food. That's the prerequisite for me.
Zach Dasher
So how I've got you converted. Some of your meals are with now home Chef. You've tried it. What. Tell me about your latest. What's the Latest recipe you've tried.
Al Robertson
You know, I'm a big fan, Zach. I got in, you know, I'm on a new diet, so I had to, you know, get certain things that they offer, and that was the first good thing. They have a such a wide array that it really fits. Whatever you like, whatever you're doing, diet wise. And one of the things that I absolutely love was that was the stuffed poblano peppers. All the ingredients were fresh. Everything I needed was right there. And what I love about it is they lay out a very specific recipe, you follow it right down the line. So even if you don't cook a whole lot, you can follow this recipe, make a delicious meal. So I am a fan of Home Chef.
Zach Dasher
Yeah, that's saying a lot, Al, because I will tell you that the Dashers and the Robertsons are very, very critical when it comes to food. So getting that endorsement is a big deal. Home Chef delivers fresh ingredients and chef design recipes conveniently to your doorstep to simplify your cooking experience. Users of leading meal kits have rated Home Chef number one, quality, convenience, value, taste, and the recipe ease, which obviously Al and I can both attest to. It's incredible. Home Chef has everything you and your family need for hassle free, delicious meals. They've got over 30 options a week, as you mentioned, Al, and they serve a variety of dietary needs. So if you're on a diet like Al, this is still a great option. Plus it's economical. Home Chef customers save an average of $86 per month on groceries. I'm telling you, we're saving money by doing it. And for a limited time, Home Chef is offering our listeners 18 free me plus free dessert for life and of course, free shipping. On your first box, go to homechef.com Unashamed that's homechef.com UnashamEd for 18 free meals and free dessert for life. Homechef.com UnashaMed must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.
Al Robertson
Well, you know, it's funny, Jace, because I didn't realize maybe I need to ask Willie and Jeff about their second dates because I never knew this story about this. You told the story, but I never knew it was that early in your relationship.
Jase Robertson
Oh, yeah, it was early. I hate. I thought the relationship was going to end.
Al Robertson
Oh. I mean, it was hanging by a thread. I'm looking at it now. So five years earlier, when Lisa and I were dating, my. Or maybe even six, because it was. It was before I left and came back. But my second day with Lisa, we were selling fish that. Because the market was flooded with fish. And so we had to go and sell them direct sale, which you've had to do before as well. And we had to go into a little neighborhood where some of our friends live and to an old bar that was in the middle of. But it was during the day, and sell the fish. But that was our second date. So I'm just curious now maybe is that a Robertson tradition that we never knew?
Jase Robertson
I think it goes back to Mark one, you know, when Jesus came up on those fishermen. Mark one. I know you think I'm kidding, but I'm not.
Zach Dasher
Because, look, you're not trying to make a connection that's not there. You're being serious.
Jase Robertson
I'm giving you a global control room decision. And I mean, the global control room is operated by the Lord Jesus in heaven with a physical body as a human. But fishermen make. Or they don't make. They just are great storytellers. I mean, Al just told a couple of them.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
You know, he was talking about fish dying. There was so many conspiracy theories in that because of the snow. And I don't know if all that was legit, but it was like a fantastic story. I'm like, he got pelicans in the background. You see what I mean?
Al Robertson
Oh, yeah.
Jase Robertson
Well, so if you could ever convince these fishermen to get locked in on God Became a Human, that would be the group to tell that story. Because we're already listening to their stories. And so that's one aspect of it. And, you know, so when he said, I'll make you fishers of men, that was the connection I was going with.
Al Robertson
No, I like that.
Jase Robertson
Number two, I think you know us, we were fishermen. I think it tells you how dating has changed now. You know, now there's people actually picking a mate for the rest of their life by going what they call fishing reference online, which is a lie. There's no lines.
Al Robertson
Jace. You're right. It's not even spelled the same. It's P H I S H. Isn't that right?
Zach Dasher
Is that the cat fishing?
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
Like, oh, I met my wife online. And you're like, what do I. Oh, we had a display here. And it's all putting your best foot forward. It's an illusion because, I mean, when you actually meet them, I will guarantee you they don't look as good as they do.
Zach Dasher
I've actually. I'll tell you this. I've actually met. We have a couple at our church that met online.
Al Robertson
Oh, there's a ton now.
Zach Dasher
And they got married and they. And they're. But they're doing great. And so, I mean, I think he.
Jase Robertson
May have been given five years and get back.
Zach Dasher
All right, Jason, I guarantee you there's people in here that have been married longer than five years that listen to this podcast that met online.
Jase Robertson
I'm not attacking all online marriages. All I'm saying is there is an epidemic of people being a version of themselves. That's not true online.
Zach Dasher
Well, that's true.
Jase Robertson
And I would say in a dating relationship, it's better to just lay it all out there. And so that's what I did with my wife. I was like, look, I'm not claiming that I was abducted by wilderness people. They have kidnapped me for years. This is why I look the way I do, smell the way I do. I didn't go that. I just like.
Zach Dasher
You owned it from the beginning.
Jase Robertson
This is who we are. I duck hunt three months out of the year. I live in the wilderness. My dad is going to make you very uncomfortable the first time you meet him. I mean, I just laid it all out there. He's going to say things he probably won't ever call you by your real name and. Which was true.
Al Robertson
But just think about Jesus, right? In a macro sense, when your early dates have your girlfriend or your date hauling up a fish. A tub full of dead fish heads, it can only go up from there. Whereas if it's online, you're getting the best profile. You're getting that shot of you working out. Whatever.
Jase Robertson
That was my point. You've set the bar too high.
Al Robertson
It's too high.
Jase Robertson
We all know that when you get married, it gets real.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Zach Dasher
And they're like, you just started at the bottom. Because then it's only. We can only go one direction. It's not a bad strategy.
Al Robertson
It's pretty good.
Jase Robertson
When Jill and I find this is the truth. This is truth.
Zach Dasher
Yeah, I see your point, Zach.
Al Robertson
He's quoted a script just like Mark 1. So it is true.
Jase Robertson
Now, I'm not saying that two people that meet online can't have a marriage that will last. I'm just saying.
Al Robertson
Yeah, most of them meet online.
Jase Robertson
It's unlikely. So that's my take. Run it well.
Zach Dasher
We'll hear from the same nation will speak. We know that. Tell us what you think about online marriages.
Al Robertson
I will say, Jason, this kind of sort of gets us to headed back to John 1, because we're going to deal with it at some point. I don't know about today, but with some of the early disciples. But Whenever I, you know, tell a little bit about our family, when I lead into, when I go out and speak, I always say that there is a reason why Jesus chose 4 out of 12, which is, I mean, that's, you know, a quarter of the group, actually a third of the group. Right. Was fishermen. And it's, it's interesting that he went down that road. And then I always say, because I come from a family that commercial fish to begin our, our business, our quote unquote empire started with fishing. I understand it from a faith perspective because it takes a lot of faith to lift nets and hope there's fish in them, so you can turn that into money. I mean, that's, it's a faith based business from day one. So I think I get it. I understand why he picked a third of his group to be. They were fishermen.
Zach Dasher
Yeah, I mean, what you're typically is typically a rough crowd, you know.
Al Robertson
Right.
Zach Dasher
You think about it. It's a hard job.
Al Robertson
Exactly. Well, y'all ready to get back into John 1? Because when we left off days, we were talking about, just to reset it. We're talking about John the Baptist and his role in the. And look, the reason why, I mean, John in John 1:1 18 is, is giving us like the ultimate condensed picture of the greatness of Jesus. Like, like power packed. Like it's, it's Jesus concentrate. And since he brought John the Baptist up twice and Zach talked about it kind of the, the second act, as it were, is John the Baptist. You know that he played a huge role in the process or he wouldn't even get the mention here. And then we had shifted over to verses 19 down through 34 on the last podcast because we began to look at John the Baptist like his beginning and all that. And so we were in Luke 1, which is his backstory of how he came about, and it was very interesting. And Jason, you were reading that and I think you left off somewhere around Luke 1:15.
Jase Robertson
I took a rabbit hole on the. Where it said he was under the influence of the Holy Spirit before birth. I mean, he had been, he had been chosen. And I think this random act of his father being in the temple and winning the lottery, praying to God, you had this moment of them being too old and an angel appears. So in the temple, which is where this heaven and earth concept and God meeting humans in the temple is an underlying story here. He actually had a conversation with an angel. I don't know if we've read that part yet. Have we gotten to that part yet? We Did.
Al Robertson
That's where it started. It started in verse, but he starts talking verse 11, when it says the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Luke 1:11. And by the way, I'll mention this before you get back into the text because you brought up something I had never realized before. Is that the word paraclete, which is the word for advocate, helper, comforter, is only in the book. Well, it's only by the author, John, because there were four in the book of John and one in First John that you read last time. So that's kind of where this concept comes from.
Jase Robertson
And the one he used in First John 2 or the one that went the. It's like the one. The time he used it in First John 2, he referred to Jesus. The other times of the Holy Spirit, that would be inside humans.
Al Robertson
Right?
Jase Robertson
And so getting back to my heaven and earth concept, Jesus being the temple, Holy Spirit being poured out, you actually see heaven and earth coming together. Through that situation, you have spirit filled people who have the spirit of the One who is in heaven representing us. We're representing him. I mean, that's a head scratcher, but very powerful.
Zach Dasher
Al, Jase, we have broken new ground, new territory. Guess what I've done.
Al Robertson
What have you done, Zach?
Zach Dasher
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Al Robertson
So pick it up in back in Luke 1. Do you want to do that?
Jase Robertson
Yeah. So. Well, I just think this is a really interesting story too about how John the Baptist got here. So I think we left off at Luke 1:15 where it says, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other ferment and drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from before birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. So you maybe can link people to Elijah. I mean they both wore modest attire.
Al Robertson
Yeah. Let me mention two things about that text. One is that idea about. We've talked about it before, but the idea he will not take wine or other faith fermented drink. That was something called a Nazarite vow that you read about. I think it was in original.
Jase Robertson
I think it's a number six numbers.
Al Robertson
That's where it is.
Jase Robertson
And I don't know why that popped into my head. I might have to look that up.
Al Robertson
Well, because. And let me just explain what for most people it was like you. We would call it a fast. It was. This is a vow they would take. And most of the time it was just for a period of time. In other words, they would say we're not gonna drink any wine or fermented Drink for X amount of time, and then eventually they would drink it again. But John had a unique thing because he was not. He had a Nazarite vow for his whole life, which.
Jase Robertson
Let me read this.
Al Robertson
Very unusual.
Jase Robertson
Let me read this if I'm. This is number six. Two, speak to the Israelites and say to them, if a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the Lord as a Nazarite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and nostrils, not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as they remain under their Nazarite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine. Boy, it's real big on the grapevine here. And then verse five of number six. During the entire period of the Nazarite vow, no razor may be used on their head.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
You know, I could have made a pretty good Nazarite as I'm reading this. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over. They must let their hair grow long. So.
Al Robertson
So you see, that was more. It was more like put forward as a. As a period of dedication to the Lord. And I think again to show the uniqueness of John the Baptist. It was for his entire life. So imagine what he looked like. He never cut his hair and he never drank anything or ate, you know, fruit of the vine, which is why he was out there eating the locusts and honey. And then you brought up the idea of Elijah, who seemed like a pretty interesting character as well.
Jase Robertson
Well, let me tell us one other thing for you. Move to Elijah. They also couldn't go near a dead body. That's in verse six. And if they did, they had to shave their head. Boy, it got weird there. But go ahead.
Al Robertson
And I'm not sure exactly how that fits into being married.
Jase Robertson
No, I just thought. I mean, it is. It is a shadow. Wasn't like, when you read this, you're like, well, why? Where did this come from?
Al Robertson
Right.
Jase Robertson
You know, I just. I had read that before, just in my shaving illustration. Lack of shaving illustration. That's why I knew where that was. But I do think it makes you realize the Bible is just not randomly throwing things out there that doesn't make any sense. There was, in their system and culture these kind of things that I think is interesting to read.
Al Robertson
And I wonder, and this is strictly conjecture, but I wonder if Elijah, this concept and what you just mentioned about the dead bodies Maybe that's why John the Baptist went out in the wilderness to do his preaching and baptizing this baptism of repentance sort of a way. You know, he was nowhere near the temple and all that. He was.
Jase Robertson
I would. I would submit that God. There's always a wilderness around before something spectacular. I mean, it just really is. Even when Jesus went out to the wilderness to be tempted by the evil one, I mean, then what happened? His ministry started. I mean, it was pretty. Look at the Israelites wandering around in the wilderness, then they make it to the promised land.
Zach Dasher
It was actually, we've talked about this before. It is come this overlay of what's happening here with the Old Testament. When Jesus goes into the wilderness, how long does he go for? He fasts for 40 days. 40 days, which is very similar to the 40 years that Israel spent in the wilderness. So I think that these time frames, the places, the comparison to the different prophets of John the Baptist and all of that. Jesus being a new Moses like figure. I mean, there's. All this is kind of imagery is in this text and in this picture of what we're seeing in the Gospel of John and all the gospels for that matter. These aren't random is what I'm saying. This isn't a random thing that's happening.
Al Robertson
No, there's very purposeful. And that's why there's this link again to Elijah. Because you remember Elijah also came about in a time of great apostasy. And I mean, Ahab and Jezebel were the king and the queen and the false, you know, the idols. And it was terrible. And he was forced out into the wilderness for three years during this, you know, great drought before he had a showdown. But so you see, there's a lot of similarities. And then we've talked about before, I think it's in. In second Kings two, Elijah, of course, even how he left the planet was in a unique way because it says he was swept up, you know, by a fiery chariot and just went into the heavens, never to be seen again. So there was definitely something unique about this tie in, which is why when you read about him later, Malach, all the things pointing to John the Baptist, they thought he was Elijah.
Zach Dasher
You know, you can't separate what John the Baptist is doing from the story of the Old Testament because he's actually. Jesus is actually living into this story. He's coming to show that he is the fulfillment of the story that he's coming in. John, it says here in John 1:20 or 32 and John bore witness. I saw the Spirit descendants from heaven like a dove and remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, he on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, I.e. he who baptizes with the Spirit. And he says before that, the reason why he was called to even do this was to reveal through this baptism, to reveal to Israel who this Christ is. So that's in verse 31. So part of what's happening here is because John's baptizing people that were from Israel. This is not Gentile baptism. This is people from Israel. These are Jewish people being baptized for repentance. Then Jesus comes in who has no need to repent. And John's like, why am I baptizing you? You should be baptizing me. You have no sin. Well, the reason is that he might be revealed to Israel. That's what verse 31 says. So that puts this whole baptism in the context of all of the prophets of the Old Testament. And this moment here is super important to the whole story of how God's redeeming all of humanity. But it starts right here in a moment where he is going to be revealed by the baptism. It's going to be revealed to Israel.
Jase Robertson
Yeah, that's a good point.
Al Robertson
That's really good.
Jase Robertson
All right, so even Jesus himself, you know, said in one of the Gospels that John the Baptist did come in the spirit of Elijah. Sure. Where that is. But you can find it. You remember, he's like, he.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
I can look it up real quick. What was you gonna say?
Al Robertson
No, I was going to say just back to that Holy Spirit point. Remember, it said he was going to the hope that you said the angel told him that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth, or what's a better rendering, is in the womb. And we actually see that happen later in the chapter, which is interesting, because when he meets Jesus for the first time, he's in Elizabeth's womb and Jesus is in Mary's womb. And yet they had a connection, because John the Baptist, the Bible says later in Luke 1 and 44 and 45, that he leapt for joy in his mother's womb, and it was because of the Holy Spirit. So, you know, that there is a connection here. That's. I mean, there's nothing like it. I mean, to Zach's point, this is the culmination of everything. God's history through the Jewish people has led to the moment of these two men, one preparing the way for the other, but the Holy Spirit being at the centerpiece of the whole thing. And so you're starting to see even in the early stages of this study in Luke and John of how big this thing is about what's about to happen. I mean it is a seismic change forever of what the kingdom of God is going to look like, which is very, very powerful.
Zach Dasher
We are about to talk about one of oldest sponsors, NetSuite from Oracle.
Jase Robertson
I do own shares of Oracle in my portfolio. So full disclosure and I must say.
Zach Dasher
That I do now as well. If you're trying to keep up with the market, it's very difficult. Are we entering into a bear market, a bull market? I mean just this week the, the swings have been quite incredible. And wouldn't it be nice if you had a crystal ball to be able to better predict what the market was going to do when trying to plan for your business? That's where our friends at netsuite come into play, that their software can help you plan business cycles. We could have really used this in the early days of Duck Commander. I can tell you right now, as running a small business, this is an incredible software to use. It can help you grow and scale your business. Al, tell us more about NetSuite.
Al Robertson
Well Zach, over 40,000 businesses have future proofed their business with NetSuite by Oracle. They bring accounting, they bring financial management, inventory, hr, all into one fluid platform with one unified business management suite. There's one source of true truth which gives you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. With real time insights and forecasting, you're peering into the future with actionable data. You close the books in days, not weeks. You're spending less time looking backwards and more time on looking forward as to what's next. So whether your company is earning millions or even hundreds of millions, NetSuite helps you respond to immediate challenges and seize the biggest and best opportunities. Speaking of opportunity, download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com Phil the guide is free to you at netsuite.com Phil Check it out. Netsuite.com Phil.
Zach Dasher
It is interesting that if you think about the Old Testament and all the instances of water in the Old Testament and particularly when it comes to salvation when you, I mean some of the ones I think about one is like obviously the waters of the days of Noah, you know that there's a salvific message there that Peter says that eight people were saved through the water and that water symbolizes baptism, which now Saves you also. Then there's the parting of the Red Sea. And then there was also the parting of the Jordan river whenever they crossed into the promised land. But if you go back, like to think about the parting of the Red Sea and Israel goes through this wall, the water separates, Israel goes through the center of it. And then all of their problems, which would be the Egyptians are in their path behind them. And the water swallows up all of that. And the water takes on all of the problems, all the sin, all the issues, it's all in that water. Same thing with going through the Jordan River. So when you think about the water as holding the sins of the people, the issues, the problems, people typically go into the water baptism repentance to get clean. It's like I'm going into the water. The symbol is, is that the cleans, it washes my sins away. I come out clean, I go in dirty and I come out clean. And then you have this moment when Jesus goes in clean into a sin infested water. Jesus goes in and takes on the sins of the people. So I think even in this you are seeing elements of the cross. You're seeing a picture of the cross that's coming, the cross of Calvary, the atonement of Christ that's coming, that Christ goes in and he takes, he goes into sin infested water clean and comes out with the sins of the people. It really is pretty profound to think about everything that's happening in this moment with John the Baptist baptizing Jesus.
Al Robertson
Yeah, I love that phrase. I could never really thought about that. Sinifested waters, that's pretty powerful because in the, even the spot where John baptizes Jesus, which we'll read about later, I mean so many people had had that baptism repentance there. And you don't think about it, it's just water. You know, it looked the same as it did yesterday. But spiritually there's something really big going on on because of all those people's hearts that are changing that would one day be realized. That's a beautiful picture.
Jase Robertson
Well, that's interesting. Before I read this, I did find that Matthew 11, it's Matthew 11 where Jesus said, you remember when he said, I tell you the truth, among those born of a woman, there's not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist yet. Whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Which obviously is pointing to this spirit being poured out, that process. And then he says, from the days of John the Baptist until now, this Matthew 11:12, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and violent people have been raiding it for all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let him hear. And then he goes on to that. You know, that comparison when it says in verse 18, for John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say he has a demon. So that was the persecution line. They're like, he's crazy. He's out in the wilderness. He's eating locusts. And then it says, the Son of man came eating and drinking. And they say, here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is proved right by her actions. So he himself said that. So there. I mean, I do think there's something too, reading about Elijah and seeing the comparison, because, I mean, look at what happened to John the Baptist. He basically lost his head because he confronted a. A royal marriage. You know, we were talking about marriage online. I mean, it's free country. I gave my opinions, but John the Baptist gave his opinions of, you know, the king's marriage. And what happened? He lost his head.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
You know, so he's just like, it's not right.
Zach Dasher
What do you think the comparison. What's the Old Testament like?
Jase Robertson
What.
Zach Dasher
What does he mean when he says that he was in the spirit, came in the spirit of Elijah? What is. What's the. What's the correlation, you think?
Jase Robertson
Well, that's what I. I think it was a. A bluntness to speak out. I mean, you had Elijah speaking out. I think his couple, that he was Jezebel and Ahab. And Ahab. So I, who wanted to take his.
Al Robertson
Head, by the way.
Jase Robertson
Yeah.
Al Robertson
With the Almighty, decided that wasn't the way it was going to end. But it was the same exact situation.
Jase Robertson
Well, that's why my dad had a. He. He's been. The people said, boy, he's similar to John the Baptist and Elijah. Because my. You know, we. I share Jesus with people. My dad would share Jesus people and then kind of get into their life and be very blunt about these kind of relationships or situations or. I mean, I. I'm. I don't want to get into the graphic language that I've heard my dad say in a Bible study. But, you know, he just call it what it is.
Zach Dasher
Pretty graphic at times.
Al Robertson
You're right, Jase. What I've said is he came in the spirit of John the Baptist because, you know, it's been 2000 years between him and dad and it was kind of similar to what before. And we're not saying it's all the exact same thing, but there is something about that idea. Someone had a video. Jason, you remember we used to do the years ago know as Missy was heavily involved. We used to do the Christmas dramas and the Easter dramas at wfr. We would do these musicals and, you know, just like, be a special thing. We had a lot of talented singers and so they were always a lot of fun. Everybody would dress up and we would tell different stories. And there was one year, I don't remember the year, but we decided to do it on Sunday morning. And there's a scene where John the Baptist comes in is the one where he was just railing on the Pharisees. Well, they somehow convinced dad to be John the Baptist. And so I watched that video recently, and I'm gonna guess this is maybe back in the early 90s. So, you know, we're talking about 30 plus years ago. But here's dad and they've got him in kind of a camel hair looking outfit, barefooted, and he's got a big staff in his hand, and he's walking down the center aisle at our church and it's packed, you know, it must have been Easter, I guess, or maybe it's Christmas, I don't know. But he's walking down the center aisle and he's just. He's quoting that text, but he is in full John the Baptist mode. You brood of vipers, you wicked snakes, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath.
E
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath.
Al Robertson
He loved it. And it was so amazing to watch it. One it was. It was fun to see dad back in his element from 30 years ago and even seeing faces in the crowd, a lot of people who have crossed over. But I just thought about that idea even way back then, when, 30 years ago, when dad was, you know, younger than us, I guess he was Zach's age. You know, we were thinking he was like John the Baptist. I mean, he seemed typecast for the role, you know, even way back then. And so. You're right, it is.
Zach Dasher
You didn't get that. I'd love to see that footage.
Al Robertson
Yeah, I need to find. I think Kim has it back at the church.
Jase Robertson
Well, my dad had a certain way. I think since he came from such a sinful background, he just had a way of being real blunt to people. Is that a. I thought that was a locust. Cute. You didn't let a locust out in here. While we were talking about John the Bat, that was a fly the size of a locust that just flew by my head. And I'm in town. This is the problem, see? But yeah, what I was talking about. But my dad had a way of not really offending people. I used to always think, because my dad would have a way of looking at people and sensing, like, while he's sharing Jesus now, you gotta remember they came down on his turf. You know, kind of what must I do to be saved? Type questions. And he's like, no, I know what you're doing. And he usually framed it in. You're out there getting drunk, you know, and he would say it more graphically than what I'm saying. But he would be like, you know, you're having sex with your girl or whatever. It was amazing how many times he would say that. And they would be like, yep, like, he's a prophet. Like, how did he know? And he just assumed until proven otherwise. And so, yeah, he had a way about that. But I do want to say that we read Malachi 3, I think Zach did, when we were talking about the prediction of John the Baptist coming. But it also was predicted in chapter four of Malachi, which is the last that we hear until Jesus is on the scene. And verse five says, see, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children. And so when I read that in Matthew 11, I mean, there was a prophecy that was fulfilled. And I think that was Jesus saying he came in the spirit of Elijah, which Elijah also showed up later on the transfiguration mountain. I think that's Matthew 17 in a radiating fashion with Moses and Jesus. And so which a lot of people use that, you know, to kind of show you this, that heaven is not that far away. Because we. We kind of have that in our modern teaching that heaven's way off, you know, and is a million miles away. And all of a sudden, you just see this glimpse of maybe them and their heavenly form, you know, radiating on a mountain. But it is interesting that here's Elijah, who was just taken up to heaven. You had Moses. There was a big dispute about his body. And remember, the evil one was this. That's in the Book of Jude. Where's Moses's body? Then you have Jesus claiming to be the son of God. And all of a sudden they're just. They're radiating on a mountain in a way that was not earthly, let's just put it that way.
Al Robertson
Yeah. And they call it transfiguration. And, you know, the mount of transfiguration is what it's referred to.
Jase Robertson
But what does that even mean exactly?
Al Robertson
Because.
Jase Robertson
Yeah, come up.
Al Robertson
You try to come up with a word for it.
Jase Robertson
Yeah. It's powerful is what.
Al Robertson
But I like the idea that what, what you. What they saw, remember he only took Peter, James and John up with him, is they saw the three major transitional figures in Jewish history. I mean, because you got, you know, Elijah, who I think represents the prophets and the prophecy. Who would his spirit later come in? John the Baptist. But then he had Moses, who was basically the mediator of the first covenant. It was him and the angels up on top of that mountain. And so everything they had known came through this transitional figure of Moses. And they're thinking law. And then you got Jesus there, who said he came to fulfill both of those. And so the other two, while it's pretty amazing that they would show up, the real star of that story was the one who fulfilled everything they were about.
Zach Dasher
Yeah.
Al Robertson
And which was the picture that the Peter, James and John saw. Is it any wonder why the three of them would go right to their death proclaiming who Jesus is? I mean, they saw something that we could only dream about. Zim.
Jase Robertson
Well, I think it gives the whole Bible credibility because, I mean, why are we doing that? Why are we going through all this? It shows that these things were predicted, they happen and shows God had a plan and it wasn't what we would typically pick. I mean, he chose some guy who decided to go on a Nazarite vow and is just railing out here against sin and powers. He's taking everybody on and he's pointing to his cousin, who it's kind of debatable whether he could recognize him, you know, because he says something interesting in John before I finish the Luke where he says, you know, he says, I wouldn't have recognized him. Where is that at?
Al Robertson
It was verse 31. I myself did not know him.
Jase Robertson
Yeah. I myself didn't know it. So people, I mean, look, you can go down that rabbit hole, you're not going to find two people agree on that. So. Because you think was his cousin. Well, he knew who he was, but. So he's either talking about, I didn't recognize him as the Messiah.
Al Robertson
Yeah, that's what I mean.
Jase Robertson
Seem like he does. Doesn't kind of get it when he's like, well, don't I need to be baptized you. And then when he's in prison, he's like, well, you go ask him if he's the one. I do think there's something in there about not being real sure of what's happening in your own circumstances, but God using you for the greater good.
Al Robertson
Well, you know, Smith used to say, who was our mentor and kind of guy that, you know, kind of shaped a lot of our study of the Bible. He used to say that he believed that it was communicated to John that somewhere in his. Because, you know, he was told to go baptize all these people. Well, they hadn't been doing that except for the rare occasions of bringing a gentile into Judaism. And now we were baptizing Jews. It made no sense other than it's what the Almighty told him to go do. But Smith says it's not recorded this happened. He just. Just, you know, surmised that the Almighty must have told him, in. In while you're doing this, at some point you're going to know the one when it comes to this means. Which is exactly what happened. In other words, when he baptizes Jesus, then he all of a sudden he sees this moment of. And here's the voice of the Father. And so it's like, okay, this is the one. And it would probably shocked him because it was his cousin. I don't know.
Jase Robertson
Well, yeah. Which probably. Hey, aren't we cousins?
Al Robertson
Yeah. Wait.
Jase Robertson
But there was. He just wasn't. It was a hard process to get. So I want to read this. Luke 1. We need to finish this.
Al Robertson
Yeah, finish that up.
Jase Robertson
I think it's a. It's kind of humorous, but it's also powerful. So in verse 18, Zechariah asked the angel, how can I be sure of this? I'm an old man and my wife is well alone in years. That turned out to be a very profound question for his next few months, because the angel answered, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I've been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words. That's why I said it with some little animosity which will come true at their proper time. So then the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they're wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. And when he came out, he begins to do charades. He could not speak, so they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. For he kept making signs to them them, but remain unable to speak. Just imagine that scene.
Al Robertson
Oh, my goodness.
Jase Robertson
I think it's kind of funny.
Al Robertson
It is kind of funny. And by the way, it's a little bit of a. Just a little heads up. If an angel appears and you know it's an angel, they say they're from heaven. They're. Gabriel, whatever. You might just keep the old flapper shut and let them tell you whatever they came to say. I'm just, you know, just based on this story. I don't know that you want to be adding commentary days into the moment.
Jase Robertson
But I wanted to read this story just because, you know, in our, you know, you have so many different brands of churches that follow the Lord, and some of them, you know, would never want to do anything inside the four walls that was deemed irreverent or disorderly. But, man, you start reading this story of how Jesus gets here and the details of the Forerunner. I mean, he won the lottery in the temple and now, you know, he can't speak. And we, you know, he's out here doing sign language after he spoke to an angel. And, you know, it just doesn't seem real order. Like this was a very orderly done thing.
Al Robertson
Yeah.
Jase Robertson
You realize this was God's way of doing it.
Al Robertson
Yeah, it was chaos that was only controlled by the Almighty. And the first time. We're out of time, but the first time he opened his mouth to actually speak was when he said they were going to name him after him because he wouldn't say anything. And he said, nope, his name is John. Which is interesting because that's when he got it.
Jase Robertson
Well, it's fine, but I want to just read the last ver. What I was getting to because we all know how this turns out. You went ahead of the story, but when it got to verse 37, and we can end with this, there's this statement after the angel said, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most, I will overshadow you. So the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Now we're talking about Jesus. Even Elizabeth, he makes the comparison. Your relative is going to have a child. And so then that verse 37, there's kind of two versions of it. So like my former NIV says, for nothing is impossible with God. The newer version says, for no word from God will ever fail. And that's just the point I was getting to. This was God's plan and promise, and it seemed impossible, but God became a.
Al Robertson
Man, and with him all things are possible. Sounds great. We'll leave it there. We'll pick it up next time on Shame.
E
Repentance. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. You brood of vipers, who warns you to flee from the coming wrath, Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Do not think you can say to yourselves, but we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the base of the tree, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance. But he who comes after me, more powerful than I, whose sandals I'm not even fit to carry, he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Repent, I tell you. His moving fork is in his hand. He will clear a fishing cord, gathering weeping to his bones and burning the chaff with unqueachable fire. Repent, I tell you. Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This is the one I meant when I said, he who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me. I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptized and before was that not be revealed to his with I saw the Holy Spirit come down from heaven and descend on him as a dove. I would not have known who he was except the one who sent me to baptize, said the one you see, the Holy Spirit come down and remain on. He is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
Al Robertson
Thanks for listening to the Unashamed podcast. Help us out by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And don't miss an episode by subscribing on YouTube. YouTube. And be sure to click the little bell and choose all notifications to watch every episode.
Unashamed with the Robertson Family – Episode 1035 Summary
Release Date: February 5, 2025
In Episode 1035 of Unashamed with the Robertson Family, titled "Phil Delivers a Fiery Portrayal of John the Baptist & Jase’s Date Night Gone Wrong", hosts Phil, Al, Jase, Zach, and their guests delve deep into a blend of personal anecdotes, local happenings, and profound biblical discussions. This episode masterfully intertwines everyday experiences with faith-based insights, providing listeners with both relatable stories and spiritual enlightenment.
The episode kicks off with Al Robertson sharing observations from his recent return to southern Louisiana after a significant snowfall, a rare event described as a "once every 125-year event" ([01:04]). This unusual weather led to unexpected natural phenomena:
Massive Fish Kill: Al recounts discovering a lagoon behind his house filled with dead mullet fish, attributing it to the cold, shallow waters. This environmental occurrence attracted an overwhelming number of brown pelicans to his docks, creating a "war zone" of cleanup that would take years to address ([00:50]).
Al Robertson ([03:26]): "Circle of life."
Pelican Congregation: Zach Dasher echoes the sentiment, highlighting the natural processes at play and the uniqueness of the situation.
These discussions set the stage for a conversation about the unpredictability of nature and its impact on daily life.
Jase Robertson transitions the conversation to a personal story from his early dating days. Five years prior, during a second date, Jase was tasked with fetching heavy buffalo fish heads from a local market for their crawfish operation. The ordeal nearly jeopardized his budding relationship:
Jase Robertson ([05:41]): "I just put my head in the door because neither door would open. It was awkward getting in. I was like, look, I know this is going to be awkward, but I'll turn my head."
Al humorously points out the narrow escape from a potentially disastrous spill:
Al Robertson ([08:50]): "You never would have gotten to miss the Js if that top had come off and the bucket had spilled on her."
Jase reflects on how this experience tested and ultimately strengthened his relationship, highlighting the unpredictable nature of early relationships.
The conversation shifts to the dynamics of modern dating. Jase laments the rise of online dating platforms, suggesting they often portray an "illusion" of individuals:
Jase Robertson ([15:34]): "It's an epidemic of people being a version of themselves that's not true online."
Zach offers a balanced perspective, sharing positive experiences and acknowledging success stories within their community. The discussion underscores the challenges and realities of forming genuine connections in the digital age.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an in-depth study of John the Baptist, exploring his prophetic role and its connections to Old Testament figures like Elijah. Drawing from Luke 1 and John 1, the hosts examine:
John’s Unique Vow: Al explains John the Baptist's lifelong Nazarite vow, emphasizing his dedication to abstaining from wine and maintaining uncut hair, signifying his complete devotion to God ([26:18]).
Al Robertson ([26:18]): "John had a unique thing because he was not... he was under a Nazarite vow for his whole life."
Connection to Elijah: Jase and Al discuss how John embodies the spirit of Elijah, aligning with biblical prophecies about the forerunner to Jesus.
Jase Robertson ([41:18]): "Someone had a video... he was quoting that text, but he is in full John the Baptist mode."
Baptism Symbolism: Zach elaborates on the symbolism of water in baptism, linking it to salvation and the cleansing of sins, paralleling Old Testament events like the Flood and the parting of the Red Sea.
Zach Dasher ([36:56]): "Water symbolizes baptism, which now saves you also."
The hosts highlight how John the Baptist's actions and experiences foreshadow the arrival and mission of Jesus, providing a cohesive narrative that bridges the Old and New Testaments.
Phil shares a nostalgic memory from the early '90s when Al portrayed John the Baptist in a church drama. This recollection emphasizes the enduring legacy and impact of John the Baptist's teachings:
Al Robertson ([44:13]): "He loved it. And it was so amazing to watch him back in his element from 30 years ago."
The segment illustrates how the family's faith has been a central theme across generations, reinforcing their commitment to sharing the Gospel.
The episode culminates in a rich theological discussion, intertwining personal stories with scriptural interpretations:
Foretelling of Jesus’ Mission: Al and Jase draw parallels between John the Baptist's preparation of the way for Jesus and the broader narrative of God's redemption plan.
Al Robertson ([19:27]): "There is a reason why Jesus chose 4 out of 12, which is fishermen."
Transfiguration and Prophetic Fulfillment: Zach connects the Transfiguration event to Old Testament prophecies, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises.
Zach Dasher ([36:56]): "These are not random; this isn't a random thing that's happening."
Symbolism of Water and Baptism: The hosts explore the profound meaning behind Jesus' baptism, viewing it as a pivotal moment of divine revelation and atonement.
Al Robertson ([38:50]): "Even the spot where John baptizes Jesus, there's a lot going on spiritually."
Episode 1035 of Unashamed with the Robertson Family offers listeners a harmonious blend of personal narratives and deep theological exploration. From local environmental events to intricate biblical studies, the Robertson family underscores the profound ways faith intersects with everyday life. Through heartfelt stories and scholarly discussions, the episode invites both long-time believers and new followers to engage with the Gospel in meaningful and relatable ways.
Pour a glass of tea and immerse yourself in the fun and inspiring stories of faith and family with the Robertson Family.