John the Baptist was MUCH MORE than a Prophet. He was one who was a messenger who knew the importance of standing before God first, so that he could stand before men with boldness.
We need those who claim to be Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Prophets and Apostles to learn how to be before the throne of God first until they receive a message for the people that causes them to leave their beautiful buildings of worship and go out into the desert places to hear a Word from heaven.
The spirit of prophecy today is starting to raise up a mantle likened unto John. There will be those who have the fear of God as they stand and kneel before a Holy God. Stand fearful before a Holy God and you will stand before man without fear.
Luke 7:25-28 KJV But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and MUCH MORE than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.