The ancients put their faith in God,  sought him and sacrificed for him. The next thing was becoming a people of God. This is in direct competition to the first mention of imitating the ways of other nations.

For the first time the Bible talks about experiencing God’s presence and being filled with his Spirit, and for the first time they heal, prophesy and perform miracles.

4) The Exodus: “chose to be mistreated along with the PEOPLE OF GOD” – Heb 11:24 

• vs. others’ powers – “God, I choose to align with your people, not the ways of this world”
  • When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. (Dt 18:9)

• Presence of God – “God, I receive your presence and rest with your people”
  • The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex 33:14-15)

• Filled with the Spirit – “God, I receive the gifts you have given your people”
  • “See, I have chosen Bezalel… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding (Ex:31:2-3)

• Healing – “God, I cry out to you for healing for your people”
  • Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!” (Num 12:13)

• Prophesy – “God, I receive your prophetic words for and from your people”
  • When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again. (Nu 11:25)

• Perform Miracles – “God, show your people miracles today”
  • For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (Dt 34:12)