In the days of Lot, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah stood in the fertile Valley of Siddim, a lush and desirable land likened to the garden of the Lord, abundant with water and vegetation. This area, at the southeastern extent of Canaanite control, was a breadbasket of wealth from agriculture and trade, making it a prime target for conquest by northern kings seeking its riches. The prosperity of Sodom and Gomorrah was evident, yet their society was marked by grave sin, drawing a great outcry from both people and God Himself. Their sins were abundant and heinous, causing pain and misery, and grieving Him deeply. The reputation of Sodom and Gomorrah as perverse places was widely known, with their corruption evident in violent and insistent immorality, as seen when the men of Sodom sought to abuse the visitors under Lot's protection. Lot, positioned as an elder in the city, was tormented by the filthy deeds of the people, yet compromised his integrity by living among them. Their society was characterized by pride, overindulgence due to fullness of food, idleness leading to worthless pursuits, and a lack of compassion for the poor and needy. They were a people distracted by busyness—buying, selling, planting, and building—focused on material gain and industry, oblivious to spiritual truths and the impending judgment. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, compared the days of Lot to the time before His return, highlighting that the Sodomites were engrossed in their daily activities and wealth accumulation, unaware of the destruction that would come upon them. He warns us to watch and compare our society to those days, noting the similarities in distraction and spiritual apathy, so that we may not be caught unprepared when judgment falls.

Jesus Christ gave many indicator markings to help us determine when His second coming is near. As we see the same conditions that existed in the days of Lot developing today, we can take comfort that the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ is drawing near. When He comes, He will cleanse the earth from all unrighteousness and perversion, and show all people how to live the way that leads to peace, happiness, and joy.

The same sin that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah has already eroded our culture and will eventually lead to its destruction. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah should be a sobering reminder to America of what happens when people turn from the God who has blessed them to the sinful desires of their evil hearts.