This is what I think and believe...
(from John 12)
v38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
v39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
v40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
And I know you know these things and believe them too so I am not saying you don't. But this is the simple reason why. It's all kinds of reasons why people dismiss and despise the Word of God but it all stems from this prophecy. Our God declared it, so it must be so. They cannot and will not see the truth until their eyes are open. They cannot will themselves ("stop and think, and meditate" as you said) to see it because God has not made it so at this time for them to do so. I am not trying to get on your case just stating the facts. We ALL wonder why people cannot see these plain truths but we musn't forget the scriptures. Especially ones as these that state this obvious truth.
Marques