The destruction of Sodom is a picture of the second coming. Many of the circumstances will be the same when the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
These are solemn warnings of the Lord. They are recorded to make men fear, and to give them due warning. Fear will not bring them to the Lord, but it may cause them to start to seek him. Who that was not completely insensitive would not fear to arrive at that day unprepared? Christ tells us to look ahead, and to imagine what it would be to let that day come upon us unexpectedly. We receive these warnings from the only one who knows the future.