Abraham's simple faith that God's promises were binding and not to be doubted lay in his conviction that God had the power to fulfill that promise of a son to him. For followers of Christ, an even deeper faith is required - a belief that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ leads to redemption and justification. Paul says salvation lies in belief in the resurrection and our share in it. "Jesus was put to death for our sins and raised to life to justify us" (Rom:4:25).

Luke's Gospel today shows that, with faith, one should have a proper sense of security. The incident of the man in the crowd asking Jesus to settle his inheritance problems shows Jesus refusing to address that superficial matter. He sees beyond that to the underlying covetousness. He uses this occasion to point to the security of one's lasting relationship with God, and the futility of putting one's trust in ephemeral worldy goods.

The parable that follows illustrates that security is not the mere piling up of riches and property without any consideration of God's plans. Faith and trust in God are lacking when avarice and material possessiveness take hold. It becomes a rejection of the treasures of God's favour, God's riches, in one's life. It is not faith, it is not security of salvation.