He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

— Psalm 23:3

While sheep are not marked in the same way as cattle, they do bear the mark of their owner along with other helpful information that identifies them.

The Lord’s sheep also carry the name of their shepherd. We are God’s beloved sheep, and he gives us the best care “for his name’s sake.” His reputation is reflected in all the ways he cares for us.

What is the Lord our shepherd known for? As God reveals himself throughout his Word, we learn that he is powerful and wise, merciful and all-knowing, faithful and good, gracious and just, loving and trustworthy. God works for the good of his beloved. All of these attributes and more are on display in the way the Lord cares for his sheep.

Our shepherd doesn’t want anyone to wonder if he is a fickle or capricious caregiver. His reputation of constant and consistent care is important because he wants other sheep to join his flock. The care received in his fold is incomparable. Though wandering sheep are tempted by singular self-reliance or by trusting in more earthly things like money, status, or power to see them through, the shepherding Lord wants them to know that his care is best because he knows their needs best and meets them without fail.

The psalmist’s statement here is a declaration of faith because nothing in the shepherd's behavior runs contrary to these truths.

What is your declaration of faith?

Lord, help us to reflect your character and will in all that we do. For your name’s sake, Amen.