Jesus was not wanted there.  2000 pigs had drowned as they rushed headlong into the Sea of Galilee, having been violently disturbed by the demons who had previously terrified Legion (Mark 5:1-17).  But the town and country people were terrified that Jesus had the power to exorcise demons and then allow them to control swine.  To them, Jesus was an unpredictable liability.  But one man knew differently.  Legion, the naked violent psychopath was now dressed and fully rational - and he knew that if it had not been for Jesus, his life could never have been changed.

He had been an outcast from normal civilisation for years.  Those people who hated Jesus were not his friends.  What did he have in common with them?  So he begged Jesus to allow him to join the group of disciples. He could now see that a new life was possible if he followed his Saviour.  So, as Jesus was getting into the boat to go back to the Capernaum side of the Lake, he urgently requested that he might join Him.  This was not the terrified pleading of the demons in verse 12, or the desperate demands of the people to be rid of Jesus in verse 17.  This man was so 'on-side' with the Son of God that it was painful for him to be left behind without Him.  

But Jesus had left His mark of authority on the man: he was both saved and safe.  And (although he did not initially realise it), he was now a part of the 'family business of God and Sons' (John 1:12) ... and there was work to do as an ambassador of Jesus (Ephesians 6:19-20).  So why did Jesus not add him to the group of trainees?   Unlike the disciples on their training course (learning how to lead the church), this born-again man was simply told to tell his family how much the merciful Lord had done for him.  He was to be a witness to the grace of Christ among his own extended family and their friends (Acts 1:8).  Christ's command was his mission.  He was obedient and people heard his story.  We do not know the outcome, but we do know that he obeyed the Lord's call.

Even today, some Christians like the idea of hiding away from the nastiness of worldly relationships: it seems nicer to be working for a church or snugly secluded in the fellowship.  Their fear of living out a Christian life stops them speaking about Jesus to those close at hand.  But those who have been changed by Christ ... should say so!  Your story will provide hope for somebody else if only you dare tell it. You will be surprised at the reactions of your colleagues: some will be amazed to hear your story.  The call to tell what Jesus has done for you is an essential part of every Christian's life.  Today is the day to obey.  Look out for the opportunity the Lord provides and engage with your life's purpose, today!