Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Allow me for a moment to point out some vital issues on belief as explained here in the telling of the parable of the sower. They received the Word with joy, and for a time believed.

How many of us that call ourselves Christians believe and show absolutely no signs for the effects of belief? For some to say “I believe” is all they have, empty shallow words, of no import nor effect. We see absolutely no fruit of the spirit in their lives. What are we to do?

Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

The one interceding on behalf of the fruitless tree is the vine dresser, a pastor if you will see it that way. Yet are we not all ministers of the Word? The issue here is to get to the root of the matter and provide an atmosphere and materials for growth. They need to be exposed to the truth without judgment nor be cast aside.

Perhaps their understanding is the problem. Perhaps the fact that they received the word with joy is what they believe in, that the feeling is their sign. Feelings are fickled and soon fade away. They may even desire to recreate the feeling of joy, to manufacture it, like the leave of that tree which bears no fruit but shows signs of growth. After all they do have leaves. Just no fruit.

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

If they will do a heartfelt and honest examination perhaps they will realize they did not receive the Word in their hearts. But how does one receive a word into the heart when words are heard with the ear and understood by the mind? How does it go from the mind to the heart?

That is another matter.