In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah . . . serve as an ­example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

— Jude 7

Every caring parent has warned their child about the dangers of playing near a busy street or in some other hazardous place. Young children are often unaware of danger, so they need to be warned. Our heavenly Father responds similarly when his children are sometimes careless. Thoughts of them perishing so stirs his heart that he sends warning signals our way. The dreadful destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as one of those warning signs.

The events described in Gene­sis 19 give us a small window into the godless depravity of these cities. Two heavenly messengers, sent to warn Lot about Sodom, said, “The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.” Having rejected God long ago, these cities no longer had any moral or social conscience.

The tragic truth about human nature is that the worse we get, the less we realize it. We can become like a skunk that gives off a putrid smell but is not ­offended by it at all. People entrapped in sin are often oblivious to their own moral stench. May the fate of these ancient cities serve as a solemn warning of the consequences of trying to live our own way without regard for God or his way.

Lord, have mercy on us. We are attracted by sin but are often blind to its many dangers. May we heed your warnings, keeping our eyes fixed on you—the author and perfecter of faith. Amen.