Why do we not read and believe the scriptures?

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people  . . . By the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God . . . (Luke 1: 76-78)

Zacharias, husband of Elizabeth and father of the newborn John (the Baptist), can now speak! He prophesies over his son John. He will be a prophet of God announcing the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people now can look forward to their redemption. 

Again I wonder, why did they not know the Messiah when He came? Did they not read and believe the scriptures?

The same can be said of the world today. Why do so many not recognize the Messiah? Why do we not read and believe the scriptures?

You see, as in John's day, many heard him declare the Messiah is coming and even read the scriptures . . . the prophecies. They were unfolding right before their very eyes! Yet they did not believe. Today we can read the scriptures and see prophecies (Daniel, Matthew 24, Revelation) unfolding before our very eyes. Yet many chose to ignore and not believe.

How many will miss Messiah when He returns? What about you and me? Are we prepared? Do we read the scriptures and believe them?