-The Invisible Realities-

He just wanted to be where Jesus was.

He wanted to be in on the action; to see more of the glory of God firsthand and be a part of it.

He probably wanted the security of knowing that if the Legion came back, Christ would be right there to cast them out again and deliver him.

He probably wanted to be far from the neighbors who had seen his nakedness heard his shrieks and fearfully bound him with chains for his own protection and theirs.

Surely following Jesus was the best way he could use the rest of his days. He would give his life for Christ. He would walk with Him and serve Him in any way Jesus asked him to. He would see great miracles, and maybe even be part of them. He would live dangerously to follow this controversial Healer and he would be able to tell multitudes in many different regions what the Master had done for him.
Maybe Jesus even needed him.

So he asked--no begged--Jesus one simple thing: "Let me be with You."

Jesus refused.
He refused!!
Jesus, the Man known for saying "Come, follow Me" refused to be followed by this man. It must have stung like rejection.

"Return to your own house, and publish what great things God has done for you."

So he did. He returned to the home he had left in infamy with nakedness and shrieks and chains. He returned to hold conversations with people who couldn't  look in his eyes without remembering his shame. He threw his whole heart and soul into proclaiming the praise of his Deliverer throughout the entire city.

Following Jesus meant staying home, for this one man. And he did it well.

It may not be on the mountain’s height,
Or over the stormy sea;

It may not be at the battle’s front

My Lord will have need of me.
...

So, trusting my all to Thy tender care,

And knowing Thou lovest me,

I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,

I’ll be what You want me to be.